4 bullet points on how to Smell Bullshit from a Distance: 4 Key Ways to Spot It
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Time to read 2 min
How to Smell Bullshit from a Distance: 4 Key Ways to Spot It
We’ve all been there. Someone says something, and immediately, a little voice inside your head starts whispering, “That doesn't sound quite right.” Whether it's a sales pitch, a political speech, or a friend giving you a "too good to be true" story, it's important to develop the ability to detect bullshit from a mile away. Here are four red flags that can help you spot nonsense and avoid falling for it:
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Let’s dive in!
1. Vague Language and Over-Generalizations
If someone’s argument is full of broad, sweeping statements like, "Everyone says this," or, "It’s a proven fact that…" without any real evidence or sources to back it up, you're likely being fed a load of bullshit . The key here is vagueness. Bullshitters love to avoid specifics because they don’t want to be caught in a lie. When you hear general terms like "always," "never," or "everybody knows," you should immediately start questioning the validity of what’s being said. Ask for specifics, and if they can’t provide any, it’s a good sign that the statement is just smoke and mirrors.
2. Too Much Emotion, Too Little Substance
When someone tries to convince you of something by playing on emotions rather than presenting concrete evidence, they’re probably covering up a lack of facts. Emotional language is often used as a diversion technique. If the person is focusing on making you feel angry, sad, or overly excited about something without providing any real data or logical reasoning, it’s likely that they are trying to manipulate you. A good rule of thumb? If the statement is designed to stir up a strong emotional reaction but doesn’t leave you with anything tangible, it’s probably not true.
3. Contradictory or Inconsistent Information
Pay attention to internal contradictions or shifting narratives . If someone tells you one thing and then contradicts it later on, or if they keep changing their story as you ask more questions, that’s a massive red flag. Bullshit often lacks coherence because it’s built on half-truths or outright lies. A person who’s being truthful can keep their story straight, but a liar will always find a way to trip themselves up. So, if something doesn’t add up or if the story keeps shifting, you’re likely dealing with someone who’s full of it.
4. Lack of Accountability or Source Material
A classic sign of bullshit is when someone is unwilling or unable to back up their claims. They may say things like, "I read it somewhere," or, "Trust me, I know," without offering any proof or sources. In today’s world, it’s easy to fact-check information, so when someone refuses to cite their sources, it’s a major red flag. The more vague and elusive they are about the origins of their information, the more likely they are trying to pull the wool over your eyes. Don’t settle for abstract claims—demand evidence.
Bottom Line : The ability to smell bullshit from a distance is a valuable skill. By learning to recognize vague language, emotional manipulation, contradictions, and a lack of accountability, you can cut through the noise and get to the truth faster. Trust your instincts, ask the right questions, and don’t be afraid to call out bullshit when you smell it. After all, the truth will always stand up to scrutiny—but lies will fall apart under pressure.
I drain your energy and leave you spent,
I promise much but leave you bent.
I wear a smile but mask my weight,
Cut me loose and find your fate.
What am I?