"In ancient times they had no statistics so they had to fall back on lies"

This quote by Stephen Leacock is an amusing way of mentioning the significance of data in modern society. In ancient times, there was no way to properly measure or track data, so individuals had to count on anecdotal proof or stories to make decisions. This quote implies that without making use of data, individuals needed to count on lies or exaggerations to make decisions. This could lead to incorrect conclusions and choices that were not based on facts. The quote likewise implies that data are a more trusted source of details than stories or anecdotes. By utilizing statistics, individuals can make more informed choices and have a better understanding of the world around them. This quote is a humorous way of highlighting the importance of stats in modern-day society.