Spare the statistics

Given the focus on numbers, in the context of the community’s decline, it is not surprising that several in our community flock to the profession of chartered accountancy like iron filings drawn to a magnet.

Statistics tell us what is happening or has happened but not the deeper why. The scientific approach is to determine causes — probing beneath the numbers, thereby coming up with effective remedial solutions.

It is worth bearing in mind that in effective problem solving, it is important to bring the numbers to the problem instead of taking the problem to the numbers. Furthermore a focus on statistics invariably leads to arguments on the veracity of the figures or implications thereof. It is worth noting the famous quote: "There are lies, damned lies and statistics.”

Ultimately it is the cultivation of Vohu Mano (Good Mind) by Parsis, on an individual basis, that will lead to the revival of the community, not the dogmatic decrees of prominent Parsis or the embittered conflicts, where passion overrides rational thinking and perspective is lost.

FURROKH PANTHAKI

London, UK