Excellent piece, Katharine. We are in an age of populist leadership (Trump, Bolsonaro, Obrador, Le Pen, Berlusconi, Boris Johnson, Modi, Erdogan, etc.).

We want facts to coincide and support our beliefs. It's annoying, awkward, and sometimes impossible when they don't.

In addition, anecdotal evidence (supporting beliefs) is often confused with evidence. Although the two are instrumental in communication, one is illustration, and the other is data.

Many thanks. Best.