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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 Philosophy Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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Editor 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)
All stars
Most relevant  
I've listed to a lot of stuff from Sam Harris. This is the first time paying for his work, as he gives a lot out for free on his website. Will definitely buy more of his stuff published on audible.

Disclaimer. He is in my top five favourite public intellectuals of today. Neil Tyson, I love you too.

I really liked this audio book. A good first buy if you are familiar with Sam. Didn't mind the short duration as the author is very concise.

Sam Harris brings up some really good points throughout the book pertaining to the subject matter. I especially like the last part, some twenty minute long Q&A.

Sam Harris is climbing my list. Not long ago he wasn't even in the top ten.

insightful look at important subject

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It's worth a listen if you have a credit you don't want to go to waste or are a fan of Sam Harris's other work however if you are looking for an audiobook longer than an hour you must look elsewhere

Good but short

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whilst very short, this does cover the topic well. I feel it is a valuable and rarely discussed topic and the treatment given, including replies to a previous version, are insightful and useful.

A short book, but valuable

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Honesty is and remains the best policy. Sam explains it very well, giving guidance on all sorts of lying one might come across in life, highly recommend.

Eye Opener

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Excellent, concise discussion of the purpose and consequences of all types of lying, deception and withholding of truth. I could listen to Sam Harris for hours, he has such a rolling peaceful voice. Much food for thought. I listened in one sitting and got to the end only to wish it was longer.

Thoughtful, thought provoking discussion

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Now I know why a lot of the world see me as a bit odd, I'm the guy who says it's the fat not the dress. My close friends though appreciate the brutal nature of my honesty and therefore respect my opinion as they know I am telling them the truth when I speak to them.
Thanks again Sam.

Great stuff, bit short though but impactful.

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Having only starting to read philosophy as a hobby recently it is a reoccurring theme. Lying is falsifying someone else's perception and therefore not conducive to the growth and flourishing of humankind. It is great to hear a modern day take on this, as most of my reading has been ancient philosophy and makes me reaffirm my newfound belief that lying is harmful in life

Short, to the point, excellent

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Fifteen years ago I was given the advice to live my life, whether seen or unseen, as though my actions would be tomorrow's front page headlines. Although I felt at the time that I was a pretty truthful and ethical person it was a turning point that has made this past fifteen years so much more relaxed, enjoyable and genuine. Sam's book, although much more deeply thought out, is in the same vein.

Newspaper headlines

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Completely changed my attitude to life. I never realised how telling the truth all the time was so effective short-term and long-term. It sounds like it comes with a lot of problems, but trust me and give it a read, you'll learn why radical (yet pragmatic) honesty will improve and safeguard your life and others.

Extremely thoughtful and effective approach

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Sam Harris argues well, through examples, that almost all lies, even white ones, should be avoided.

An interesting perspective

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