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On Bullshit (Hardcover) by Harry G Frankfurt
By Henry Burt Stevens
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Not rated by the Author.
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Book Commentary by Henry Burt Stevens
On Bullshit (Hardcover)
by Harry G Frankfurt
Book commentary
by Henry Burt Stevens
At last, some straight talk about bullshit. Why we experience so much of it, how we can identify it, and how we can come to terms with it in our everyday lives.
H G Frankfurt, a Princeton professor, has done us all a great service, in my opinion. Mr Frankfurt has especially helped me, and that is my motive for this small essay.
The best way for you to find out if Mr Frankfurt can help you is to read his book yourself. I don't expect libraries will tend to add the book to their collections. Libraries can be fussy about language, as well as ideas. But a new copy from Amazon is $5.79 US$ and a used copy is $8.35 US$, in acceptable condition. A book store will probably want full cover price, $9.95 US$, but I consider it a bargain, even at full price.
Google the title or author and there are many reviews you can read online. These help.
One of the best sources, and most enjoyable, is to to goto Princeton Press website and view the video of Mr Frankfurt being interviewed about his book. This is excellent.
For readers of this brief essay who are in a hurry or unable to go to the resources above let me explain Mr Frankfurt's difference between a bullshitter and a liar. The liar knows the truth in the matter, but seeks to substitue something else in place of the truth.
The bullshitter doesn't know or care to learn the truth in the matter. He or she only wishes to say anything that will advance their position and point of view in the matter. The truth doesn't conern them. For this reason Mr Frankfurt concludes that bullshitters are more dangerous than liars. Mr Frankfurt points out that the sincere bullshitter is even more dangerous.
The help I recieved from this instruction is that I am now less frustrated by bullshitters. There are whole groups of apologists I can cherrfully walk away from. Liars still bother me, but bullshitters I dismiss for their ignorance and their lack of concern for the truth in the matter they are discussing. I also tend to watch my own tongue more carefully No bullshit!.
I am indebted to Mr Harry G Frankfurt.
s/henry burt stevens
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| Reviewed by MaryGrace Patterson |
4/24/2008 |
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| There is a difference as you pointed out.. Thanks for clairifing, Henry....M |
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| Reviewed by Jim Aust |
7/10/2006 |
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| Just read reviews of this book. By all means this book is not a joke. While some may be able to immediately recognize the bullshitter, the background this book provides cannot be ignored. This is good information about bullshitters and why they do what they do. |
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| Reviewed by Charles O'Connor III |
7/9/2006 |
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Bull shiters, along with other attributes of our 21st century race add to one big monster, that may add the end to us. That, along with our cell phones, do it yourself companies, i-pods (Which take away casual conversation and the like.
Yes, bull shitters only care about themselves and dumb down not only stories of the imagination but anything in life and that equals to war, arguments and the like. You are right on par, my friend.
Charles D. O'Connor III "In everything I am an outsider"-H.P. Lovecraft |
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| Reviewed by Michelle Close Mills |
10/1/2005 |
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| Oh I've know one HECK of alot of these people!!!!!!!!!! I've got to check out this book. I'm laughing my fanny off at your review! Thanks for the giggles...Michelle |
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| Reviewed by White Dove left |
9/26/2005 |
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Wonderful talent you share..
Lynn Richardson |
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