No Stupid Questions 66. When Is It OK to Tell a Lie?
Sep 12, 2021
Dive into the fascinating complexities of lying, where motivations range from simple white lies to deep moral dilemmas. Discover how age and gender affect our honesty and the psychological insights that shape our understanding of deceit. The conversation also tackles the evolving landscape of mental health awareness, weighing its benefits against potential over-sensitivity. Finally, reflect on the historical treatment of homosexuality in mental health, shedding light on past misconceptions and current understandings.
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White Lie Example
- Angela Duckworth shares that she sometimes lies when declining journal article reviews.
- She clicks "lack of expertise" instead of saying the journal is terrible.
Lying Matrix
- Stephen Dubner proposes a "lying matrix" with axes of lie size (big/small) and motivation (self-gain/other-benefit).
- This helps categorize lies like resume embellishments (self-gain) or Jean Valjean's bread theft (other-benefit).
Fashion Honesty
- Stephen Dubner recounts how his wife often overrules his honest fashion advice.
- He used to offer insincere compliments but now prioritizes honesty.