Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Thom Linden's avatar

While reading today's report, I was reminded of the treatise 'On Bullshit' by Frankfurt. We often think of statements -specially by politicians- as either truthful or lies. Truth or falsity would be provable and the speaker is knowledgeable of what they are saying. I surprisingly learned from Frankfurt (ok, call me naive) there is a third option for the speaker: they do not care! They will say anything and everything to advance their ambitions - truth and falsity are irrelevant.

This gave me a handle on how to understand this (resurrected) fascist party and their rhetoric. They do not care and have no interest in truth/falsity. It is all full-on 'Bullshit'.

Next time you hear a politician it might help your mental state to recognize this third option.

Expand full comment
Ginger's avatar

"— Responded to the slaughter of schoolchildren in Tennessee by proposing legislation making it impossible for grieving parents to sue gun manufacturers and sellers." These were white, Christian, conservatives' kids and yet, they respond by making it easier for the next shooter. These people are beyond any rational explanation for their behavior. They are, 'strangely insane'.

Expand full comment
19 more comments...

No posts