My Theories - 5 - The Dangers of Trusting Averages

Averages are great, but they are what they are: just averages. They are great indicators, but never accept them as anything more. Take the example of a rating system where every rating is given equal weight. There will be above average critics, average critics and below average critics for any piece of art [which is wholly relative. But say, fix some point]. The resultant rating is only an average and therefore not worthy of pointing out as the absolute proof of the greatness or incompetence of this art. It only shows the opinion of the majority which always tend to cluster nearer to the averages [as in a Normal Distribution]. Appreciation of art is not an exercise in democracy. In short, the better, as in more apt, rating of the greater critics are often swallowed up by the sea of averages.