Lies We Live By: The Art of Self-Deception

by Eduardo Giannetti

Summary

In this radical and illuminating book, eloquent historian of ideas Eduardo Giannetti uncovers the truth about lies. The most intimate and treacherous relationship a person has is with him or herself. Inclined to lie to ourselves-to believe our powers greater and impulses purer than they are- we are masters of our own self-deception. Giannetti looks to clues in the natural world and into our cultural and natural histories, offering a brilliantly engaging and provocative analysis of our favorite subject-ourselves. By answering these four basic questions, he unlocks the mystery of who we are and how we What is self-deception and how is it different from deceiving others?
Why is self-knowledge such a challenge for human beings?
How is it possible for one to deceive oneself?
What is the place of self-deception in our day-to-day lives? Lies We Live By is an impossible book to resist and promises to have a profound effect the next time the reader looks in the mirror.