Lying

By: Sam Harris

Narrated by: Sam Harris

Length: 1 hr and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

As it was in Anna Karenina, Madame Bovary, and Othello, so it is in life. Most forms of private vice and public evil are kindled and sustained by lies. Acts of adultery and other personal betrayals, financial fraud, government corruption - even murder and genocide - generally require an additional moral defect: a willingness to lie.

In Lying, bestselling author and neuroscientist Sam Harris argues that we can radically simplify our lives and improve society by merely telling the truth in situations where others often lie. He focuses on "white" lies - those lies we tell for the purpose of sparing people discomfort - for these are the lies that most often tempt us. And they tend to be the only lies that good people tell while imagining that they are being good in the process.

©2013 Sam Harris (P)2013 Sam Harris

Critic reviews

"This essay is quite brilliant. (I was hoping it would be, so I wouldn't have to lie.) I honestly loved it from beginning to end. Lying is the most thought-provoking read of the year." (Ricky Gervais)

"Humans have evolved to lie well, and no doubt you've seen the social lubrication at work. In many cases, we might not think of it as a true lie: perhaps a 'white' lie once in a blue moon, the omission of a sensitive detail here and there, false encouragement of others when we see no benefit in dashing someone's hopes, and the list goes on. In Lying, Sam Harris demonstrates how to benefit from being brutally - but pragmatically - honest. It's a compelling little book with a big impact." (Tim Ferriss author of the number-one New York Times best sellers The 4-Hour Body and The 4-Hour Workweek.)

"In this brief but illuminating work, Sam Harris applies his characteristically calm and sensible logic to a subject that affects us all: the human capacity to lie. And by the book's end, Harris has compelled you to lead a better life because the benefits of telling the truth far outweigh the cost of lies - to yourself, to others, and to society." (Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astrophysicist, American Museum of Natural History)

Inspirational, quick read

I'm writing this review months after listening. I enjoyed the book at the time, but what has me inspired to come back and write a review is the fact that the general premise of this book has stuck with me so well. I used to routinely tell seemingly innocent lies to grease the wheels of easy social interaction. Small things, not big boldface lies. Morality totally aside, the author contends that everyone would benefit from committing to being truthful. Personally, I now find that I really enjoy the authenticity of owning and saying the truth in even the smallest of circumstances. I don't mean hurting people's feelings or anything like that. There is certainly diplomacy and kindness to consider, too. This book argues for the premise that it's just plain smart, emboldening and genuine to be an honest, straightforward truth-teller.

I'd be lying if I didn't say I love this book!

Where does Lying rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Short and sweet but very impactful. Everyone should read this to remind them the valuer of the truth.

What other book might you compare Lying to and why?

Give and Take, By Adam Scott

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The white lie section. It brought to measure that there is no such thing as a innocent mistruth. You can always find a way to tell the trut that won't compromise your character or offend.

Sam Harris is a clear and persuasive thinker

This book is no different, and it deeply affected me. also his voice is oddly suited for audio.

That's it?

The book is 130 pages and he reads it in just over an hour? Sam isn't a fast talker, I feel like this is actually an abridged version.

I was sorry when it was over.

Excellent, food for thought. I am not sure how practical it is not to lie in a world where "everyone else" is. But at the same time, I just might think twice before my next lie.

Life Changing!

Sam Harris' soporific voice & tone are easy & enjoyable to listen to. This is a life changing book. He explains how unnecessary & harmful the polite little white lies we all tell really are. I want to buy a copy of this book for everyone I know.

I will read/listen to this many more times!

Must read! So very thought provoking!

Excellent book! Impressive way of breaking down how damaging and destruction lies are to our relationships. Even telling "white" lies aren't doing anyone any favors. I love Sam Harris! So authentic!

Excellent, makes a complicated subject simple.

What made the experience of listening to Lying the most enjoyable?

The author reads it which is always great because they know how they want to imphasize things and he makes a complicated subject simple and clear. It helped me make sense out of a confusing personal situation.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Lying?

When he explains all the chaos that lying causes.

Which character – as performed by Sam Harris – was your favorite?

This book doesn't really have characters, but the examples he gives to illustrate a point are great; it is very easy to get the point.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Lying,How to get from Chaos to Clarity.

Any additional comments?

I really love this book and have already reread it several times and recommended it to several friends.

Another great book no lie!

after listening to Sam Harris's other book Waking Up I felt compelled to listen to more. such interesting and well explained ideas on a prevalent part of communication. at least if you do in fact choose to lie, you will have a better understanding of the cost of it. to top it off there is inadvertent humor throughout his writings. I am a new fan. !

Interesting Perspective

Sam Harris offers us an interesting perspective on lying in various forms. Thought provoking listen....