BS often goes unnoticed because it masquerades as truth while blending elements of deception. It is more insidious than outright lies, as it allows both the communicator and the audience to feel satisfied without confronting factual discrepancies. For example, claiming profitability by omitting critical expenses constitutes BS, whereas stating a false financial status directly is a lie. This behavior permeates various industries and societal domains, posing a challenge for discernment. Recognizing the subtleties of smartness and intelligence can help individuals navigate this landscape effectively.
Jeff Bezos once said there are different kinds of smart. Distinguishing the various flavors is important because if you think smarts comes in just one form, you’ll miss dozens of other nuanced varieties.
BS is the same. It comes in countless forms, some harder to spot than others. False modesty, projecting, double standards, hypocrisy, tugging at heartstrings – these aren’t lies; they’re subtle forms of BS which is why they’re so prevalent.