A tribute to Harry

I recently found out about the death of Harry Frankfurt, Princeton University philosopher, author, and star of Bullshit!

It had been over a decade since Harry’s book "On Bullshit" had become a surprise New York Times best seller when I flew out to interview him in 2016, together with Christian Britten, in the warm November sun of Santa Monica.

Trump was getting warmed up too in his campaign for the White House, and soon bullshit would be more ubiquitous than ever on both sides of the Atlantic.

Harry said the difference between a liar and a bullshitter was the former knows and understands the truth but chooses the lie. Whereas the bullshitter doesn’t really care whether what he’s saying is true or false and is only interested in manipulating opinions, attitudes, and feelings.

In the wake of the past 5 years, this undermining to the commitment and importance of truth feels more pertinent than ever, and "On Bullshit" will continue to resonant with audiences for decades to come, warning us of the insidious threat of bullshit to our society.

At the end of our film, Harry says “If you have the truth, you know what reality is like. If you don’t, you’re ignorant of reality”. As I try to stay present in my daily life, I strive to look for the wonderment and fascination of reality and block out the bullshit wherever I find it.

I’m so grateful I got to spend those few days in November with Harry whose kindest, warmth, and words will always stay with me.