Harry Frankfurt, in a 1986 essay and later in his book On Bullshit, explored the phenomenon that may politely be described as 'talking nonsense'. The essence that he arrived at was that while a liar tries to hide the truth, the one speaking such nonsense has no regard for the truth. This is more dangerous than lying, as it spreads the very notion of truth being up for grabs. I wrote earlier about a particular kind of such nonsense, which I called WIBS, or well-intentioned nonsense.
Bad-intentioned nonsense is not in short supply either, particularly in social arenas where the goal is to influence large masses of people, such as in politics or business. But WIBS comes from people who sincerely believe they are speaking the truth, or something about the truth, and for good purposes. But they are untethered from reality as they are in the vice grip of three forces.
A commitment to abstraction and methods of abstractions-from economics or sociology or from policy discourse and the like. Self-righteousness-stoked by ideology or the self-gratifying notion that they are doing good or know better, or both. And finally, a distancing from the lives of people that leaves them out of touch.
This story is from the January 09, 2025 edition of Mint Kolkata.
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This story is from the January 09, 2025 edition of Mint Kolkata.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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