photo by: Michael Williams @ moderatelivingblog.com

I’m embarrassed to admit that it took me longer than it should to fully internalize that just because two things move together, it doesn’t mean that one causes the other. Like, if you see this sight – a common one in a northeastern autumn. Someone in some primordial past would think that the geese migrating causes the trees to turn yellow. Or the other way around. But in reality, it’s two behaviors that happen because of something bigger.

Not definitively profound, unless one wants to look at it that way. But just bigger.

In the same way, someone could think that this newest post is caused by daylight or the presence of WordPress gestates these posts.

But the reason this new post is here is because it’s Friday and it’s the one of two days that I write.

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18 responses to “Correlation Does Not Equal Causation”

  1. Ruth Pheasant Avatar

    Great post, and great choice of music too! I love that first Chopin Nocturne, well, I love all of them, but that’s possibly one of my favourites.

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      me too! Arthur Rubenstein plays them so well! happy Friday!

      1. Ruth Pheasant Avatar

        Happy Friday!

  2. CJ Antichow Avatar
    CJ Antichow

    Lol πŸ˜‚

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      😁😁

  3. vermavkv Avatar

    A lovely reflection on the difference between correlation and causation, presented through a beautiful autumn observation. Nature often reminds us that two things can happen together because of a larger force working behind the scenes. I also enjoyed your playful explanation of why this post appearedβ€”Friday deserves its share of credit! Sometimes the simplest observations lead us to think a little more deeply. Wishing you a wonderful weekend! 😊

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      thanks Vijay! and you’re right – there’s so much correlation in nature that it’s easy to forget that overarching factors that are too large for us to decipher actually exist. hope you are enjoying your Saturday so far friend!

      1. vermavkv Avatar

        Absolutely, my friend! Nature has so many mysteries that remind us how much there is still to learn and understand. Sometimes, stepping back and looking at the bigger picture is the best way to appreciate its wonders. Thank you for your warm wishes. My Saturday is going well, and I hope yours is equally beautiful, peaceful and full of little moments of joy. Enjoy the weekend! 😊

  4. Hazel Avatar

    So happy Friday on my Saturday, Kuya Mike. 🀩 Love the photos!

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      thank you Hazel! hope you had a fantastic Saturday and that your Sunday will be even better πŸ™‚

  5. justrojie Avatar
    justrojie

    happy fri-yay!!

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      hope the Saturday is off to a good start! happy halloween!

  6. camilla wells paynter Avatar

    Wait. . . it’s not because of changing air temperatures and the earth’s magnetism?? Are you sure? πŸ˜‰

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      haha! the magnetic frequencies influence only the humor i use ;D

      happy saturday Camilla πŸ˜€

  7. Ashley Avatar
    Ashley

    Fabulous Chopin. I’m only listening to it on Saturday as this blog was in my spam folder πŸ€”Enjoy your weekend! 🎹

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      thanks Ashley! hope you are having a fantastic Saturday!

  8. Tish Farrell Avatar

    Many thanks for the Chopin and making me smile. Though actually, I think you’ve raised a v. important issue – most of the folks who rule us do seem to believe quite earnestly that correlation = causation.

    1. Michael Williams Avatar

      πŸ˜‚ hahaha! honestly Tish, we live in strange times. I guess this is what it was like for the old Romans when it was clear that they weren’t going back to the good ol’ days.

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