Why do people lie?

March 27, 2007 7:24am CST
Why do people lie? A very big question for us. You, do you lie? How many times? What is the reason?
3 people like this
17 responses
@lonely_f16 (2146)
• Philippines
27 Mar 07
For me, the reason is because we're afraid of the consequences that we might receive if we tell the truth. In short, our punishment. But sometimes we lie just to cover up something or protect someone. There are many reasons as to why a person lie. Sometimes the reason might be for oneself's benefit or for others.
2 people like this
@luvreen (168)
• Philippines
27 Mar 07
Everybody lies. It may only be "white lies" but everyone tells lies or omits the truth. Sometimes we start lying around age 4 to 5.Eventually, we children begin to lie to get out of trouble or get something we want.
• Philippines
27 Mar 07
it's origin goes back from genesis when adam took a bite from the the forbidden fruit. He lied about it as well thus commiting the first Lie. If you don't believe in the bible it came from the box which pandora opened. either way people lie to hide the truth.. Its part of human nature. a sort of a defensive mechanism ofcourse i lie.. all humans lie, whether they are aware or unaware of it. how many time??? have counted how many times your eyes blinked??
@rekhum (2420)
• India
27 Mar 07
I lie everytime i want to save my face.I lie over trivial issues. Diplomatic people lies more.
27 Mar 07
it's just part of life....
2 people like this
• Germany
27 Mar 07
everybody lies, thats the fact. It makes some situations easier to use a white lie.
2 people like this
@nasvin (24)
• Philippines
27 Mar 07
people lie because of two reasons: to save something or to hide something. it is just like doing it for one's benefit. yes i have lied. but the question here is that what could be the consequence of that lie... good or bad???... the end justifies the means...
2 people like this
@waynet (2650)
27 Mar 07
Of course I lie in real life becasue it makes you look hunky especially when you can reinforce the lies with back ups that make you look even better. I do not lie on here though as there is no point and no one to show off to that you are ever going to meet.
1 person likes this
@hoghoney (3747)
• United States
28 Mar 07
I do not lie and I hate a lier. it is a big thing with me. some people lie and then they have to tell another lie to cover up the first lie. but anyone the tells a lie it will catch up with them in the end.
@naty1941 (2336)
• United States
27 Mar 07
Some people lie to protect themselves from telling the truth; others lie because they are sociopaths. The majority of people that tell white lies, to it because they don't want to hurt their friends and loved ones. Everybody lies at one time or another.
• United States
28 Mar 07
I think if we ever find the answer to this question, it will be amazing. People lie for many reasons, none of which are probably good. I think everyone lies at some time either to save face, make themselves look better, or just because it is easier than the truth. DO I lie? Sure, I am sure there are times...am I proud of that? No, actually I try hard not to let it occur...Great Post Idea !
• United States
27 Mar 07
People lie when they are afraid or have somthing to hide. I do lie somtimes. i try really hard to never tell big ones but if its in sombodys best interest to lie to them alittle then i will. I dont lie alot though. Mostly just when im scared or when its what the other person really wants to hear
@stacy624 (2776)
• Canada
28 Mar 07
Hi there and Welcome to Mylot! I would guess to avoid getting into trouble =) Good Luck and Best Wishes Stacy
@Aubryan (45)
• Philippines
28 Mar 07
simply, they just cant tell the truth
@jacnmkc (32)
• United States
27 Mar 07
I think we all have lied and we all lie for many different reasons. We lie to get out of a situation that may cause us harm or humiliation, we lie so we won't hurt others, we lie so we won't get into trouble and because we are scared. I have lied many times in my life and it's mostly to stay out of trouble. Looking back I think I probably would have told the truth. I think lying is wrong, being dishonest creates in us a sense of less self worth because we tend to feel guilty about it, at least I do.
1 person likes this
• India
27 Mar 07
people do lie just to avoid some odd conditions... they don't have courage to face truth... if someone believes in himself then no nees to lie just face the truth...
27 Mar 07
Why do people lie... I can think of a couple reasons. 1. Self preservation. Whether it be preserving their life, point of view, or way of life. 2. Personal gain or self importance. 3. A mental predisposition to do so (pathological liar). A more obtuse reason for lying is the difference in interpretation between 2 or more people. I may truly believe that milk is purple in color. You "know" that it's white. Therefore, I am lying. Lying is somehow an inherent trait in H. Sapiens. We all do it to one extent or another. People lie, because that's all they know how to do. Their truth is distorted by lying. So, they live a lie. I don't like deception. I think too many believe they are right, even though they lie. It seems to be a norm in these times though. eople lie to decieve, to lead, or yes, because of Fear. Or maybe, each encounter with another person is a chance to inspire or influence, and a lie is needed to inspire a desired reaction, though, more often then not, the lie back fires on the liar and the person being lied to gets angry. there are several levels of Lying. A person may lie to get out of trouble like children often do. Or, like said before, because we don't want the person that we are lying to, to think less of us, Fear. Or, a stategic lie. Like, I may lie to a Fool, to play the Fool, and knowing well that only that Fool would be the source of this miss information. That would be a tool to flush out one's enemies. So, many reasons people lie, it all depends on the degree of the lie. The poker bluff classic example of a reason to lie, Money.
@tanjila (548)
• United States
27 Mar 07
I've always had a problem with lying actually. It's just a lot easier to tell than the truth. Keeping myself out of trouble is also key. I've probably lied to pretty much anyone and everyone...