Lying

By: Sam Harris

Narrated by: Sam Harris

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)

The truth as we don't want to see it.

I love everything Sam Harris has written. This book is no exception. I really wish I could argue with some of his ideas, but he makes such a strong case that I often have to resign myself to accept the unacceptable.

The black and white truth on lying!

How ethical are white lies? Sam Harris gives us reasons where even white lies can be detrimental to us or people around us. A very insightful read. The addition of his responses to readers' questions where saying the truth might not be an easy solution, and his responses to them are very welcome. Totally recommended for aspiring politicians!

Simple, Short, Argument Against Lying

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

I enjoyed how easy it was to listen to. It kept me engaged and interested without being too difficult for audio format.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed listening to this. It was short, but made a good argument for telling the truth, without being unreasonable.

I regularly lied years ago, and came to my own conclusion that it wasn't worth the mental stress. However I still often tell white lies, or conceal the truth. This book has pushed me further, to aiming to be truthful as often as possible. However this was already something I was working on, so I am probably quite biased because this book was what I wanted to hear.

Required reading for human beings

You have to train and pass a test to drive a car. Why? Because we're living in a society, and without some agreement on a basic set of rules, chaos ensues and people get hurt. It's a communication problem. Similarly, we all could benefit from everyone being on the same page in regard interpersonal communication.

Just as the fact that you or your associates may be reckless drivers does not invalidate the virtue of traffic laws, the prevalence of liars does not negate the benefits of integrity.

don't let the shortness scare you off.

it's clear concise and practical
easy to relisten to periodically. it's well thought out and a must read.