"Statistics are used much like a drunk uses a lamppost: for support, not illumination"

This quote by Vin Scully compares making use of stats to that of a drunk utilizing a lamppost. Simply as a drunk leans on a lamppost for support, data are often used as a crutch to support a point or argument. Nevertheless, just like a lamppost does not offer real light or illumination, stats alone do not always offer a complete understanding of a scenario. They can be controlled or misinterpreted to fit a particular story. For that reason, this quote serves as a reminder to not entirely rely on statistics, however to also seek out other sources of information for a more well-rounded understanding.