B.S.

Hello,

Today's post is on B.S. The major text I will use for reference is a short book called "On Bullshit," by Harry Frankfurt. Because of the sensibilities of some, for the remainder of this post I will use the acronym B.S. even when the text really says... B.S.

The first sentence of Frankfurt's book says, "One of the most salient features of our culture is the prevalence of B.S." That sentence sets the stage...now lets get to it.

One problem with B.S. is that no one really knows what it is. We take it for granted that it's everywhere, but we really don't analyze or define it. In Frankfurt's book he tries to do this--he tries to analyze B.S. and to come up with a theory that explains its function, use, and definition.

So let's begin by figuring out what B.S. is. Most people think of B.S. as lying, but that's not exactly true. Here's why:

When someone tells a lie, they know the truth..cause if they they didn't know the truth it wouldn't be a lie (it would just be a mistake or something). In order to lie, someone first needs to know the truth, then deliberately misrepresent it.

B.S. is something altogether different. B.S. is about conveying a certain impression of oneself. It's about presentation, not substance. Someone can even B.S. while telling the truth...what makes B.S B.S. is that, when you B.S. you don't care about the truth...when you B.S. all you care about is how others perceive you.

When guys sit around a BBQ and tell stories they usually B.S... When guys and girls talk to each other they usually B.S....And why?--because in these instances people are concerned more with appearing cool, polite, kind, smooth, witty,etc. rather than conveying the truth.

So with all of that said..here is a concise definition of B.S. : B.S. is speech unconcerned with truth intended to cultivate a desired impression in others.

So far I've only referenced harmless examples of B.S. With our new definition let's now look at how damaging B.S. can be...and lets start with B.S. in politics.

If you're watching politics you're watching B.S...a good politician (using the word "good" loosely here) is one that is well liked. Politicians are well liked when they don't take a stand...the less they say the less they'll offend. So, if a politician can say nothing, but seem like they're saying something they're happy. Because politicians want to look like they're saying something truthful and substantial, but they don't really care about saying anything truthful or substantial--politicians are full of B.S.

The question we must now ask now is which is worse...B.S. or lying? Most people say lying, Why? Probably because lies intentionally mislead people. I, however, disagree with this. I think B.S. is worse (and so does Frankfurt). B.S. is worse because, unlike lies, B.S. doesn't even acknowledge the existence of truth...in B.S. truth is irrelevant. This is a serious problem.

This is a serious problem because, as you consistently B.S. you begin to lose your grasp of the truth. In time you don't even know what's true anymore. A lie acknowledges the truth even as it contradicts it, but B.S. goes a step further and erodes one's consciousness of truth.

One question we probably should ask ourselves is why we all B.S. so much. Frankfurt argues that we B.S. so much because we feel obligated to appear knowledgeable in so many subjects. In work and school and everything else we're given difficult questions that we often don't know the answers to...so we B.S. to get by. When high demands are made of us...our B.S. rises to the occasion.

Anyway, that's about all I gotta say. I think B.S. is something we all need to work on...anyone who says otherwise is probably full of it.