Why Do the Worst Disasters Occur Early in a Century?

[ritehook]

It seems to be the case.

For instance: in the beginning of the 19th century Napoleon had himself crowned Emperor in 1804, and then proceeeded to sink Europe in to endless bloodbaths, until he met his Waterloo in 1815.

Early in the 20th century one of the world's greatest disaster occurred: The famed Titanic hit an iceberg (in 1912) which resulted in the loss of about 1500 people.

And in this, the 21st century, George W Bush was elected president, both in 2000 and in 2004. This has so far resulted in over 4000 American deaths in Iraq, and several hundred thousand dead Iraqis. With lots more to come.

[MrX]

Selective sampling?

[dwaechte]

Selective sampling?

Good answer.

[tacomax]

It seems to be the case.

For instance: in the beginning of the 19th century Napoleon had himself crowned Emperor in 1804, and then proceeeded to sink Europe in to endless bloodbaths, until he met his Waterloo in 1815.

Early in the 20th century one of the world's greatest disaster occurred: The famed Titanic hit an iceberg (in 1912) which resulted in the loss of about 1500 people.

And in this, the 21st century, George W Bush was elected president, both in 2000 and in 2004. This has so far resulted in over 4000 American deaths in Iraq, and several hundred thousand dead Iraqis. With lots more to come.

Don't forget the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake! Great Work!

[pavyracer]

This ranks as the dumbest arguement I have ever read. The worst disasters happen during the middle of centuries.

1. WWII 1939-45. Tens of millions dead.

2. Civil War 1861-1865. Hundreds of thousands dead.

3. Fall of Constantinople 1453. Hundreds of thousands dead.

4. Fall of Carthage 146 BC. Tens of thousands dead.