Do We Prefer Lies?

Why We Live in a Land of Make Believe

I am a great liar. I’ve actually perfected the art for over 51 years. In fact, I lie to myself so much sometimes I don’t know if I’m telling the truth because I buy my own bullshit.

In case you’re not aware, you are lied to dozens of times a day. These falsehoods range from little white lies to deceits big enough to destroy lives.

While you might like to think you’re an honest person, statistically, you are a liar. According to research, the average person lies once to twice per day.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you ever give people compliments that aren’t completely genuine?
• Have you told someone you were doing well when you actually weren’t?
• Do you ever tell people you are busy to avoid having to interact with them?

If you said no to any of those questions, you’re a liar. Welcome to the club!

So why do we lie? Psychologically, that’s a long answer meant for a book — not a blog. But I’m going to propose the core reason that will probably make you uncomfortable.

We prefer lies.

Authenticity is messy so we settle for artificial because it’s easier to bury our heads in the sand and live in the…