On Bullshit: Anniversary Edition

While the first edition came out over 20 years ago, On Bullshit: Anniversary Edition (Princeton University Press), still shows us the everlasting importance of calling out bullshit — and the danger of “indifference to the truth.” As one of the world’s most influential moral philosophers, Frankfurt examines the difference between liars and bullshitters using philosophical insights, psychological analysis, and wry humor. While liars acknowledge the importance of the truth and alter it with their deception, bullshitters disregard the truth completely, undermining our ability to tell what is true and what is false. Frankfort addresses societal pressures that often force us to “bullshit” our way through life, leaving false impressions or sincerity to pervade our interactions. If we reject the expectation of always having an opinion in public life, politics, and work, the necessity of bullshitting will decrease. Rather than falsely portraying yourself or situations, Frankfurt suggests rekindling our trust and sensitivity to truth.