This one is so short, it really qualifies as an essay. But, one edition is between two covers, so I guess it counts as a book.
I snagged it from my local library because of Modern Day Oracles or Bullshit Machines and Calling Bullshit courses by Carl Bergstrom and Jevin D. West, University of Washington. I figured some background wouldn’t hurt and might help me. I found it didn’t help as much as I’d hoped, but I was still entertained.
What’s it about? Frankfurt tries (successfully) to define bullshit (rather academically). In short, a bullshit artist is solely focused on persuasion and making an impression, not caring about truth. Paradoxically, bullshit can be true.
What makes it bullshit is how it is created – shoddily, hastily and without regard for fine work. A gifted liar does their thing carefully so that the truth cannot be found out. A bullshit artist just flings it out, overwhelming skepticism with sheer volume, until something sticks with the audience.
Now the downside is that On Bullshit is written in a dry academic form, citing references, historical uses and changes over time. Not very exciting reading. But it does build up for Frankfurt’s final stinger and one that does get you to think. It’s also proof that there is a sense of humor lurking in the mind that wrote On Bullshit. But it’s not bullshit.
7 out of 10. ★★★★★★★
by BravoLimaPoppa