Post by Engine Driver on May 2, 2021 15:50:01 GMT
Why do people lie?
Avoiding punishment
Lying often starts with wrong-doing. For whatever reason, we do something that others disapprove of. When they are in a position of greater power, they might punish us. Even if not, their disapproval may be punishment enough.
In consequence, we deny the crime, pointing the finger at others, denying the action or justifying the act with some fabricated excuse.
Avoiding embarrassment
When others might not directly punish us, embarrassment is a powerful form of self-inflicted punishment, where we imagine what others are thinking and assume they are silently disapproving.
The implied loss of esteem and social position that causes embarrassment is a powerful force on us, enough to make us lie to reduce the impact on our social position.
Ring any bells
Avoiding punishment
Lying often starts with wrong-doing. For whatever reason, we do something that others disapprove of. When they are in a position of greater power, they might punish us. Even if not, their disapproval may be punishment enough.
In consequence, we deny the crime, pointing the finger at others, denying the action or justifying the act with some fabricated excuse.
Avoiding embarrassment
When others might not directly punish us, embarrassment is a powerful form of self-inflicted punishment, where we imagine what others are thinking and assume they are silently disapproving.
The implied loss of esteem and social position that causes embarrassment is a powerful force on us, enough to make us lie to reduce the impact on our social position.
Ring any bells
