Hype, with Dani Shanley and Gemma Milne

In this book, Hofstadter explores the social movements and cultural factors that have contributed to anti-intellectualism in American life. He argues that both anti-intellectualism and utilitarianism are consequences of the democratization of knowledge and are deeply embedded in America's national fabric, influenced by its colonial and evangelical Protestant heritage. Hofstadter distinguishes between intellect and intelligence, highlighting the resentment and suspicion of intellectual life and the valorization of practical, business-oriented pursuits. The book examines various aspects of American life, including religion, politics, business, and education, to illustrate the pervasive anti-intellectual sentiment and its impact on the role of intellectuals in society[2][4][5].

In 'On Bullshit', Harry G. Frankfurt argues that bullshitters misrepresent themselves to their audience not by deliberately making false claims, but by conveying a certain impression without concern for whether anything is true. He distinguishes bullshitting from lying, noting that liars at least acknowledge the importance of truth, whereas bullshitters disregard it entirely. Frankfurt contends that excessive indulgence in bullshit can undermine the capacity to tell the truth in a way that lying does not, making bullshit a greater enemy of truth than lies. The book explores the prevalence of bullshit in modern society and its implications for communication and truth[1][3][5].