>[!abstract] >"*All models are wrong*" is a common aphorism and [[Anapodoton|anapodoton]] in statistics. It is often expanded as "*All models are wrong, but some are useful*". The aphorism acknowledges that statistical models always fall short of the complexities of reality but can still be useful nonetheless. The aphorism is generally attributed to George Box, a British statistician, although the underlying concept predates Box's writings. (Wikipedia, 2025). >[!related] >- **North** (upstream): — >- **West** (similar): [[The map is not the territory]] >- **East** (different): — >- **South** (downstream): —