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Lying

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Lying

By: Sam Harris
Narrated by: Sam Harris
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About this listen

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 Ethics & Morality

Editorial reviews

Editors Select, November 2013 - Like most, I don't believe in lying, but I've never been opposed to the occasional white lie when I felt it was warranted. So I was pretty intrigued when I heard about this essay from Sam Harris, in which he argues that all forms of lying are inherently detrimental to our lives and relationships with others. From false encouragement to omission, Harris dismisses the notion that any kind of lie is truly harmless - often using insightful, true stories as examples. It's a short listen that is definitely worth checking out for anyone interested in psychology, human behavior, or self-improvement. I predict I'll be choosing my words wisely when I open a gift I don't love this holiday season! —Sam, Audible Editor

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)

What listeners say about Lying

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Profile Image for John P.

Concise and obvious yet rarely followed

As usual, this writing from Sam Harris is written in a way that is so inherently logical is just seems obvious, yet everyone still lies. Helped me to do a reset of my brain, which in turn rid me of much needless anxiety. Highly recommended

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Profile Image for Aaron Lavack

I am no longer capable of lying

Well, maybe not quite incapable. But it was a great book anyway! Sam is always coherent, and a lot of fun.i love his lack of interest in social norms.

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Profile Image for Kieran

Short listen with a long effect

Would definitely recommend this book to anyone! Brings some incredibly important concepts to light that I believe any intelligent person should take on to aid in governing their day-to-day operation. The longer you wait before listening to what Sam Harris has to say (with a very soothing and easy to listen voice), the further away you get from a truly more fulfilling existence.

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Profile Image for Bheema

Great, as all of Harris's work is.

Clear, concise, forthright and insightful. The topic is investigated honestly, and without dogma, but also Harris nonetheless doesn't pull his punches. I love this man's work!

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Profile Image for Louis Linard

Interesting, Well Read if Short

I enjoyed this one overall but can understand people may be apprehensive of the price to length.

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An interesting listen.

I would have liked to of lived in such a world. it certainly would be a better place.

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Profile Image for KZ

Intelligent and solid

Really enjoyed this book, a vital acknowledgement for all people of all eras. May more of us flow with truth.

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Profile Image for Bartoooo

not bad

Not a bad book. I only gave it 3 stars because the author states "the fact" that Doctor Andrew Wakefield has been discredited and exposed as a fraud for his study linking vaccines and autism. Which he hasn't at all if you really look into it. So a bit strange from that point of view and I can't really say that I agreed with some of the points he made eg the murderer looking for a child who is hiding in your home, and what to do in that situation.
But a few good points that may change the direction of some people's lives.
I know from personal and really painful experience that lying can and does really hurt people that you love, and yourself in the end. So well worth listening to. Okay I'll up it to a 4 star on that basis.

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Profile Image for Rachel N

Stupendous

Sam Harris is phenomenal
I love this book, probably my favourite of his books. Great

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Profile Image for Dan

Brilliant, I'd be lying if I said it hasn't changed my perspective about lying

I thought it was a bit short going in but it turned out to be just the right length for me. It's hard to argue with his points and there's genuinely some great information that could benefit us all. Not least some of Harris's critics.

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