Why We Lie - Dan Ariely

1. The article Why We Lie, by Dan Ariely, explains the author’s theories and conclusions about why, and to what extent, people lie. Ariely explains that, aside from a very small portion of the population on either end of the spectrum, everybody lies and everybody cheats, but only a little bit. The points at which people cheat are dependent upon two rules: we all want to attain the most money or glory, and we all still want to consider ourselves virtuous.

One of the main methods that Ariely and his team used to test what prompts a person to cheat is called the 'matrix test'. This is a simple numerical puzzle which can easily be modified to change the reward or the risk. The researchers also did experiments concerning cheating on tax forms: How accurate would people’s numbers be when they were asked to sign their disclaimers before or after completing the worksheet.

The outcomes of all of their tests told them a few definitive things: people are more likely to cheat if certain variables are present, such as: other people will benefit from the lie, any monetary reward seems more distant from the act, or if others are seen to be dishonest in the task as well. However, across all these rationales that we give ourselves to cheat and lie, one thing seems to be quite efficient at decreasing dishonesty: reminders of our morality. Examples of this are swearing on the bible (regardless of religious affiliation), signing disclaimers, or simply asking people to recall the Ten Commandments.

Ariely reiterates that none of these methods would likely apply to the big scam artists we hear about on the news, but that those people are in the minority. What this would help, is keeping the average person a little bit more honest. (Ariely, 440-446)

2. In paragraph ten, Ariely takes what he already knows about the fact that everybody cheats and lies sometimes, and asks the important question: What are the circumstances under which the average person decides it is worth it? (Ariely, 442)

3. My favorite quote in the article is “The purpose of locks…is to protect you from the 98% of mostly honest people who might be tempted to try your door if it had no lock.” (Ariely, 440). Perhaps it is not the most thought provoking passage I could have chosen, but it seems like a good reminder that given the right circumstances, everybody can rationalize doing what will benefit them, despite the rules. Trust is a good thing, but realism needs to balance it out.

Works Cited

Ariely, Dan. "Why We Lie." The Bedford Reader. 12th ed. Boston: Bedford/St.                       Martin's, 2014. 440- 446. Print.

I commented on the following student's blog posts:

Kimberly Dougherty

Garret Hamlin