Nicolas Dufourcq, CEO of Bpifrance, opened the BIG 2025 trade show with a speech that was both philosophical and pragmatic on the crucial issue of truth. Addressing an audience of entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and members of the economic community, he reminded everyone that "entrepreneurs have their feet on the ground and their head in the stars. If they lie to themselves, they die. If they are in denial, they die." This phrase perfectly sums up the central role of entrepreneurs in building a balanced society and combating contemporary illusions and manipulations.

In a world where international interference and manipulation are increasing, Dufourcq highlighted the weight of external influences: "Forces are seeking to influence the democratic, societal, and scientific debate, coming from across the Atlantic, from Russia, China, and Turkey. These interferences are extremely powerful and increasingly powerful."

Seneweb's coverage allowed us to closely follow this remarkable intervention, which captivated the audience with the depth of its analyses and the strength of its verbatim accounts.

Truth at the heart of contemporary issues

The CEO of Bpifrance explained why the theme of truth is more necessary than ever: "We chose this theme, truth, because in my generation, no one would have imagined that it would be necessary to reaffirm the existence of truth." For Dufourcq, the entrepreneur is at the heart of this fight: "The entrepreneur has a healthy relationship with the truth because he depends on it. He participates in the construction of a collective where truth can triumph."

Truth is constructed collectively

According to Dufourcq, truth does not exist pre-formed but is constructed in human action: "Truth is decided, it is invented, it is the product of the human collective." He insisted on the role of debate and otherness: "Truth is constructed by the acceptance of discussion, of dispute. The outside must enter into me to reach something that will be considered an acceptable truth."

Intellectual laziness and the danger of the real double

The Director-General warned of the danger of believing one's own truth is absolute: "Laziness consists of thinking that my truth is the truth. And that's how it is. Basically, I have the right not to be refuted." He pointed to the effects of social media and populist discourse: "False knowledge spreads very easily. The pleasure principle leads to radical individualism and the illusion that others are always being manipulated."

Entrepreneurs, pillars of truth

In conclusion, Dufourcq recalled the fundamental role of entrepreneurs: "Entrepreneurs are fortunate enough not to be able to live in a double reality. This is forbidden to them. They are one of the solutions, if not the great solution, to the problems of our country and to the perversion of truth today."