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Harry G. Frankfurt

Quote:  “The motivation of the bullshitter is not to say things that are true or even to say things that are false, but in serving some other purpose.” – Harry G. Frankfurt

Submitted by bsfootprint on Mon, 08/29/2011 - 15:23
bsfootprint's picture

Who here thinks this applies to Barack Obama, Al Gore, or just about any politician?

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Surely they don't care whether their words have the ring of truth; it's more important that the words serve the purpose.

Via: NanoShite.

Quote: 

It consists in a lack of concern for the difference between truth and falsity. The motivation of the bullshitter is not to say things that are true or even to say things that are false, but in serving some other purpose. And the question of what he says is true or false is really irrelevant to his pursuit of that ambition. The bullshitter is not necessarily a liar, what he says may very well be true; and he may not think that it's false. I was careful to try to make a distinction between; make clear the differences as I understand it between bullshitters and liars.

Who Said It?: 
Harry G. Frankfurt
Quote Source Links: 
http://press.princeton.edu/video/frankfurt/
http://lachlan.bluehaze.com.au/nanoshite/
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