When you make what is obviously a generalization, (which is one of the only ways to talk about anything other than a singular event or person), and the person reminds you that there is a 4% exception like that invalidates the generalization. (It doesn’t).

If that is our new marker for truth, then I guess we should all start huffing down Marlboros by the dozen. After all, smoking only kills 55% of the people who do it. So if we use that logic, anyone claiming smoking is bad for you needs to understand that it’s “not always the case with everyone“.

People also use “generalization” as a negative. No, it’s the method by which we describe the majority of a group. If someone says “all” “none” “always” and “never” this is a valid criticism. Otherwise, do us all a favor and shut up.

This is endemic to the under 35 crowd, which speaks to what we’re educating kids with. The Enlightenment is under attack in the West.