“Why We Lie” is rich with stories, anecdotes, and psychological as well as sociological analyses. It shows the rich variety of methods and signals in which humans communicate, with their multi-layered meanings. All seem to be the products of evolution. The success of the manipulative liar lies in the weaker ability of others to discover and uncover the lies, just as the success of the tiger lies in its ability to run faster and be stronger than the fleeing doe. Human “decoding” lies requires focus and extensive experience. It requires piecing the veil of the words, which many people do not practice. Therefore more people are “playing poker in the dark.” The are lied to and do not even know i...

“Why We Lie” is rich with stories, anecdotes, and psychological as well as sociological analyses. It shows the rich variety of methods and signals in which humans communicate, with their multi-layered meanings. All seem to be the products of evolution. The success of the manipulative liar lies in the weaker ability of others to discover and uncover the lies, just as the success of the tiger lies in its ability to run faster and be stronger than the fleeing doe. Human “decoding” lies requires focus and extensive experience. It requires piecing the veil of the words, which many people do not practice. Therefore more people are “playing poker in the dark.” The are lied to and do not even know it. They lie and do not know it. Presumably, the prototype of the weaker liars is more likely to disappear because their ability to succeed in life is more limited.

Dr. Smith views lying as the tool by which people attempt to affect and even create and control, their reality.