專欄名稱：《數字音樂椅》
很多人對數字感到枯燥無味，包括我。不過，原來數字裡藏有很多知識和智慧。
近年來，我多看香港民意研究所（下稱“民研”）的調查和統計數字，驟眼看來，確有點悶，但後來發覺原來“民研”的數據庫是一個寶藏。它簡直是一個萬花筒，不單可以協助人類研究現實和歷史問題，再按歷史軌跡尋找解決今天問題的方法；還可以從新舊數字裡發現和聯想到很多真人真事和真知灼見──只要你懂得發掘就行了。
這個大發現讓我在腦海中爆出一個怪念頭──把“民研”的數字和我過去五十多年採訪積累下來的所見所聞、所思所想結合起來，講一些大家較少聽過的故事（噢！不對，是真人真事），各位將可自得其趣，然後各自深思；如果覺得太傷腦筋，就當聽聽舊聞，輕鬆一下也好。
所以，訂閱和支持“民研”，不是專業人士、知識分子才會想到的事，也不是什麼敏感問題，普羅大眾也可以把單調的數字，變成愉快的“數字音樂椅”，坐上去，享受數字循環，你就會發覺“民研”能反映很多饒有趣味的數字輪迴和歷史怪圈。
劉銳紹
Column name: Numbers’ Musical Chairs
Many people, myself included, find numbers dull and uninteresting. However, it turns out that numbers contain a wealth of knowledge and wisdom.
In recent years, I’ve spent more time looking at the surveys and statistics from the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute (HKPORI). At first glance, they do seem a bit tedious, but I later realised that HKPORI’s database is a treasure trove. It’s like a kaleidoscope: not only can it help us study real-world and historical issues, and use historical trajectories to find solutions to today’s problems, but it can also reveal and inspire countless real-life stories and valuable insights—if you know how to uncover them.
This major discovery sparked a quirky idea in my mind: to combine HKPORI’s numbers with the observations, experiences, and thoughts I’ve accumulated over more than fifty years as a journalist, and to tell some stories that people rarely hear (well, not stories—real events). You’ll be able to enjoy them in your own way and reflect on them in your own time. If you find it too intellectually taxing, just treat them as old anecdotes to relax and unwind.
So, subscribing to and supporting HKPORI isn’t something only professionals or intellectuals would think of, nor is it a sensitive issue. Ordinary people can also turn dry numbers into something delightful—like “musical chairs of numbers.” Sit down, enjoy the cycle of data, and you’ll discover that HKPORI reflects many fascinating numerical patterns and historical loops.
Johnny Lau
(The article was written in traditional Chinese and translated by AI tool.)
