Which is more valuable: statistics or experience? Don't answer right away; take all the time you need. I'll wait. This question isn't as obvious as you might think, and the first answer you're tempted to give might not be the one you decide to stick with. Humans are not born statisticians. Let's face it, most of us are lousy at statistics. My brilliant friend Julia Galef, who publishes articles, hosts podcasts, and gives TED talks on rationality, holds a degree in statistics from Columbia, and can quote you statistical formulas like nobody's business -- but even she decided not to make her living as a statistician. We tend to trust personal experience more than abstract numbers. This works very well for children. Once you've burned your hand on a hot stove, you've learned to be careful around stoves. Once you've been stung by a bee, you'll always be wary of bees -- and probably a whole lot of harmless insects that happen to look like bees. ...