Unless backed by a specific source, my statistics are 100% made up on the spot.

One reason it seems easy to "lie with statistics" is that a statistic is impressive: it suggests you know your subject in detail even when you don't.

Statistics can only prove things when they start to fall together in patterns. The more consistent the pattern, the more probable the conclusion. But a lonesome statistic doesn't prove any more than a lonesome fact. A simple statement proves nothing; detailed patterns prove things.