First, I was so skeptical that’s how you spell twelfth I had to Google it, it looks funny. See post ten for such tech truths. Its admittedly hard to do this without seeming pessimistic, sorry I can’t help anyone on that one. But, being a skeptic is part of my job as a scientist, which is part of why I like science so darn much.

Every study is flawed. Every history is biased. Even current events are riddled with opinion.  Don’t believe what everyone says, or anyone. There are few experts in any topic, and almost every situation is different; broad and generalizable conclusions are almost impossible.

Its not that hard to Google (Google Scholar is better), but people seem to still make factual statements that aren’t fact. One time my mom told me Alaska Airlines was the safest airline in the sky. So I looked up the statistics from the Federal Aviation Administration and we both learned that was incorrect.

I recently saw an article passed around on social media and when I looked up the author of this piece, technically an opinion on current events, he had recently published several articles asserting the exact opposite opinion. He was catering his opinion/media to his audience. Everyone is trying to make a buck, attract clicks, and earn likes. Don’t let the wool be pulled over your eyes.

The point is, look it up. Find multiple sources, figure out their motivations, and recognize the limitations. NOTHING is black and white. There are literally no statements about anything I can’t find a hole in. Try me.