Why people recommend it
On Bullshit by Harry G. Frankfurt is a philosophical essay that examines the concept of bullshit, defining it as communication produced without concern for the truth, distinguishing it fundamentally from lying. The book was discussed on several podcast episodes, drawing attention from various intellectuals. On The Jordan Harbinger Show, guest Renee DiResta discussed the academic book, noting how it uses its definition to illustrate how certain individuals generate and disseminate information entirely without regard for whether it is true. Additionally, the text received attention on the Lex Fridman Podcast, where host Lex Fridman referenced Frankfurt as the source of a technical term related to the modern meaning crisis. Fridman engaged in a detailed discussion about this concept with guest John Vervaeke. Vervaeke noted that his own work on the meaning crisis was inspired by Frankfurt and other thinkers, specifically describing On Bullshit as a classic essay and one of the finest pieces of writing Frankfurt ever produced. The speakers highlighted how Frankfurt's analytical approach to dishonesty and indifference toward truth remains relevant for understanding contemporary rhetoric, information ecosystems, and psychological trends such as cynicism and loneliness.
Who recommended it
- Lex Fridman Discussed
- John Vervaeke Discussed
Lex Fridman — 2 mentions
“You have an excellent 50-part lecture series online on the meaning crisis, and I think you describe in modern times an increase in depression, loneliness, cynicism, and, wait for it, the term used technically by Harry Frankfurt and adopted by you.”
“the term used technically by Harry Frankfurt and adopted by you”
John Vervaeke — 1 mention
“Yeah Frankfurt and this is inspired by Frankfurt and other people's work uh based on frankford's work on yeah classic essay it's a pretty good title I think it's one of the best things he wrote”
Mentioned on the show without a named speaker — 1
“There is actually now an academic book called ‘On Bullshit!’ and it frames it as information without regard for the truth, right?”