The statement "there are three kinds of lies - lies, damned lies and statistics" is often attributed to British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. He used this phrase to suggest that statistics can be manipulated to support any argument or position, and that they are often used to mislead or deceive people.



Lies are deliberate falsehoods that are told with the intention of deceiving someone. They can be used to gain an advantage, to cover up a mistake or to avoid punishment. Lies are often considered unethical or immoral because they involve intentionally misleading someone.



Damned lies are lies that are intended to mislead or deceive people, but are presented in a way that makes them seem truthful or accurate. This can involve selectively presenting information, omitting important details or using persuasive language to influence people's beliefs or opinions.



Statistics are numerical data that are used to describe or analyze a particular phenomenon. They are often used to support arguments or to make decisions based on evidence. However, statistics can be manipulated or misinterpreted to support a particular point of view.



In conclusion, the statement "there are three kinds of lies - lies, damned lies and statistics" suggests that statistics can be used to mislead or deceive people just as easily as lies or damned lies. It is important to be aware of how statistics are being used and to critically evaluate the information presented in order to make informed decisions.