An introduction to data science or statistics should not begin with proving complex theorems or memorizing terms and formulas, but this is how many quantitative analysis textbooks are designed. By contrast, this book deals with critical thinking and conceptual understanding; it teaches readers to be thoughtful consumers and analysts of the kinds of information and arguments they will encounter throughout their lives. Filled with real-world examples, the book shows how critical analysis tools are applied to problems in a wide variety of areas, including elections, civil conflict, crime, terrorism, financial crises, health care, sports, music and space travel. After reading this book, you will learn why, despite the extensive use of data in the modern world, they can never replace critical thinking. There are exercises at the end of each chapter that readers can do on their own to make sure they have mastered the material. Some of these exercises involve data analysis, which can be handled by readers and students who have learned (or are learning) to use statistical software such as Stata or R.