Exactly. What older engineers are able to do is have an “instant BS detector.” When someone in public policy whips out some idiotic number or estimate, guys like you and I who come from the older school of “back-of-the-envelope” estimation can yell “bullcrap!” (or words to that effect) before the clown finishes his sentence.
There’s no shortage of people who are so innumerate that they will believe ANYTHING they are told - no matter how mathematically absurd it is.
In the midst of this financial charlie-foxtrot, want to become depressed? Go on a street corner and ask people “how many millions in a trillion?”
It’s amazing, I tell you.
Sounds like a good way to get arrested.
Do you mean like when someone tells us there are 57 states?
Yep, and Obama is still trying to find out how many millions in a Brazilion!
JC