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Deception runs like a red thread throughout all of human history. It sustains literature, from Homer's wily Odysseus to the biggest pop novels of today. Go to a movie, and odds are that the plot will revolve around deceit in some shape or form. Perhaps we find such stories so enthralling because lying pervades human life. Lying is a skill that wells up from deep within us, and we use it with abandon. As the great American observer Mark Twain wrote more than a century ago: "Everybody lies ... every day, every hour, awake, asleep, in his dreams, in his joy, in his mourning. If he keeps his tongue still his hands, his feet, his eyes, his attitude will convey deception." Deceit is fundamental to the human condition.
Research supports Twain's conviction. One good example was a study conducted in 2002 by psychologist Robert S. Feldman of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Feldman secretly videotaped students who were asked to talk with a stranger. He later had the students analyze their tapes and tally the number of lies they had told. A whopping 60 percent admitted to lying at least once during 10 minutes of conversation, and the group averaged 2.9 untruths in that time period. The transgressions ranged from intentional exaggeration to flat-out fibs. Interestingly, men and women lied with equal frequency; however, Feldman found that women were more likely to lie to make the stranger feel good, whereas men lied most often to make themselves look better.
This article was originally published with the title Natural-Born Liars.
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19 Comments
Add CommentTHAT humans excel at the Art of Deception should be a surprise to no one. There is even a recently discovered genetic locus for "pathologic lying".
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisAs the years pass, more and more of human behaviors are explained by the interplay of genetics and neurobiological changes.
Now what were you saying about "free will"?
Free will on odd numbered days - predestination on even numbers.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThis article insinuating that it is human nature to lie is offensive. And putting make-up, hair extensions, and perfume in the same category as lying is really a stretch. These things are utilized to enhance one's appearance. Is a tan a lie to you? It is important to make distinctions appropriately. Make-up is not a lie. Perfume is not a lie. Hair extensions can be a beautiful addition to enhance one's appearance. Dancing in a sexy way to attract a mate is a wise idea...it's not some corrupt misrepresentation of the human form. These other issues are similar...try to enhance sexual appearance to do well in mating and business and social situations. Why must the authors lump common behavior in with lying? Do you suppose the viewer believes that the woman is not really wearing make-up, or not really wearing perfume? The assumption that these behaviors are lies are completely absurd. It seems an effort to justify lying by saying "everybody does it" and that is not so.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThis article insinuating that it is human nature to lie is offensive. And putting make-up, hair extensions, and perfume in the same category as lying is really a stretch. These things are utilized to enhance one's appearance. Is a tan a lie to you? It is important to make distinctions appropriately. Make-up is not a lie. Perfume is not a lie. Hair extensions can be a beautiful addition to enhance one's appearance. Dancing in a sexy way to attract a mate is a wise idea...it's not some corrupt misrepresentation of the human form. These other issues are similar...try to enhance sexual appearance to do well in mating and business and social situations. Why must the authors lump common behavior in with lying? Do you suppose the viewer believes that the woman is not really wearing make-up, or not really wearing perfume? The assumption that these behaviors are lies is completely absurd. It seems an effort to justify lying by saying "everybody does it" and that is not so.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisthat these behaviors are lies IS completely absurd...sorry, i had written "assumptions" and then took off the s and did not correct the plural are to the singular is.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThis article is interesting, but I see two major problems. First, I think a distinction between lying and deception is needed. Deception is much more common, and acceptable. Granted, there is a great deal of overlap between the concepts and many people use them interchangeably. I see lying is the intentional statement of false information. If you tell a friend that you think her dress is pretty, when you feel it is ugly, that is clearly a lie, even though it may be said with good intentions.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisDeception may result in the same results, but it may include half truths or distorted interpretations in an effort to manipulate others. Deception can also include our rationalizations to ourself to justify a statement or behavior. For example, you may be going to church even though you doubt Gods existence; because you want to be part of the community, or because you believe religion is beneficial to society even if it is based on false information.
The second problem is that the article seems to minimize the social consequences of lying. Lying and deception have, no doubt, provided evolutionary advantages. However it has also resulted in a great deal of conflict, distrust and psychological trauma. Trust is an essential component of a lasting and beneficial relationship. Once we come to believe that the other person has deceived or used us, we usually minimize or terminate the relationship.
I think the primary reason why lying and deception has become so rewarding for many is the impersonal nature of so much of modern society due to living in large urban complexes, and our reliance on electronic media for news and entertainment. The acceptance of lying and deception as normal and beneficial by those in power has, I believe, much to do with our recent economic and political deterioration.
Ok, its possible that you don't know it, but you may be lying right now.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisAssumes that we believe this research :)
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisAn honest man is worth his weight in gold, but a gifted liar is priceless.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisAn honest man is worth his weight in gold, but a gifted liar is is priceless.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisLao Tsu: The truth that can be told is not the Truth.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisOsho, Yes, all lies, some lies help, some don't.
People lie, yes. But what is important is we should have enough intelligence to discern between truth and a lie. Being wise is more advantageous than lying.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisPeople lie, yes. But what is important is we should have enough intelligence to discern between truth and a lie. Being wise is more advantageous than lying.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThe author is so into lying that maybe he is.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisPutting make up on and wearing hair exceptions technically is deception, so I disagree with the opinion that those are honest activities. We do those things to disguise our natural appearance to others, therefore decieving them into believing that we are "better-looking" then we actually are. Our definition of lying leads us to believe that it means knowledgeably and willingly telling them someone a fact that isn't true, so isn't that technically what we are doing when we put on make up and et cetera?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThe article is correct - lying = deception, deception = lying, whether it is a little lie/deception or a big nasty lie/deception. Of course, one must distinguish degrees of deception/lying. For example, wearing a hair piece vs. cheating on one's spouse. All lies/deception are not equal.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisThe article is correct - a lie and deception are the same. The degree and intent of the act of deceiving/lying are what distinguishes a decent human being from a down right evil one. For example, hair piece and make-up to look attractive and gain more acceptance vs. setting someone up to be murdered for financial gain. Measuring the degree and intent of lying can be tricky, because of cultural differences. For example, in certain cultures it is accepted that a man may have a "mistress". He may disclose to his wife that he has a "mistress" (deception), but his business associates are aware and find this activity perfectly acceptable. In another culture, he would be considered a cheat and infidel and may be subject to death.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisCorrection "He may NOT disclose to his wife..."
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisi believe this article is true- that was a lie- or was it?
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