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Bullshit Quote by Harry Frankfurt

“Bullshit is unavoidable whenever circumstances require someone to talk without knowing what he is talking about. Thus the production of bullshit is stimulated whenever a person’s obligations or opportunities to speak about some topic are more excessive than his knowledge of the facts that are…” quote by Harry Frankfurt
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““Bullshit is unavoidable whenever circumstances require someone to talk without knowing what he is talking about. Thus the production of bullshit is stimulated whenever a person’s obligations or opportunities to speak about some topic are more excessive than his knowledge of the facts that are relevant to that topic. This discrepancy is common in public life, where people are frequently impelled — whether by their own propensities or by the demands of others — to speak extensively about matters of which they are to some degree ignorant. Closely related instances arise from the widespread conviction that it is the responsibility of a citizen in a democracy to have opinions about everything, or at least everything that pertains to the conduct of his country’s affairs. The lack of any significant connection between a person’s opinions and his apprehension of reality will be even more severe, needless to say, for someone who believes it his responsibility, as a conscientious moral agent, to evaluate events and conditions in all parts of the world.””

Harry Frankfurt

About This Quote

Source Book: On Bullshit, 1986

The passage argues that people often speak beyond their knowledge, especially when feeling compelled to have opinions on everything, leading to widespread misinformation.

In simple terms: People talk without knowledge, creating bullshit.

Key Takeaway

Beware of speaking beyond expertise.

Themes

knowledge communication politics ignorance responsibility

Mood

critical cautious

Type

analytical ethical

When to use this quote

  • political debate
  • media analysis
  • education curricula
  • public policy
  • personal decision‑making

Key Concepts

epistemic humility public discourse critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should you stay silent?
  • How can you improve epistemic humility?
A Different Perspective

The claim that everyone must have opinions on all topics is unrealistic and may ignore the value of informed silence.

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