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Lying
- Narrated by: Sam Harris
- Length: 1 hr and 15 mins
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Summary
As it was in Anna Karenina, Madame Bovary, and Othello, so it is in life. Most forms of private vice and public evil are kindled and sustained by lies. Acts of adultery and other personal betrayals, financial fraud, government corruption - even murder and genocide - generally require an additional moral defect: a willingness to lie.
In Lying, bestselling author and neuroscientist Sam Harris argues that we can radically simplify our lives and improve society by merely telling the truth in situations where others often lie. He focuses on "white" lies - those lies we tell for the purpose of sparing people discomfort - for these are the lies that most often tempt us. And they tend to be the only lies that good people tell while imagining that they are being good in the process.
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- Matias
- 16-03-15
insightful look at important subject
I've listed to a lot of stuff from Sam Harris. This is the first time paying for his work, as he gives a lot out for free on his website. Will definitely buy more of his stuff published on audible.
Disclaimer. He is in my top five favourite public intellectuals of today. Neil Tyson, I love you too.
I really liked this audio book. A good first buy if you are familiar with Sam. Didn't mind the short duration as the author is very concise.
Sam Harris brings up some really good points throughout the book pertaining to the subject matter. I especially like the last part, some twenty minute long Q&A.
Sam Harris is climbing my list. Not long ago he wasn't even in the top ten.
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3 people found this helpful
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- Maxim Kuznetsov
- 15-03-16
Good but short
It's worth a listen if you have a credit you don't want to go to waste or are a fan of Sam Harris's other work however if you are looking for an audiobook longer than an hour you must look elsewhere
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2 people found this helpful
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- JPhil
- 14-07-18
A short book, but valuable
whilst very short, this does cover the topic well. I feel it is a valuable and rarely discussed topic and the treatment given, including replies to a previous version, are insightful and useful.
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- Paz
- 18-07-16
Eye Opener
Honesty is and remains the best policy. Sam explains it very well, giving guidance on all sorts of lying one might come across in life, highly recommend.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Alison Campbell
- 15-02-16
Thoughtful, thought provoking discussion
Excellent, concise discussion of the purpose and consequences of all types of lying, deception and withholding of truth. I could listen to Sam Harris for hours, he has such a rolling peaceful voice. Much food for thought. I listened in one sitting and got to the end only to wish it was longer.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Jon
- 03-08-19
Great stuff, bit short though but impactful.
Now I know why a lot of the world see me as a bit odd, I'm the guy who says it's the fat not the dress. My close friends though appreciate the brutal nature of my honesty and therefore respect my opinion as they know I am telling them the truth when I speak to them.
Thanks again Sam.
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- Anonymous User
- 26-07-22
Short, to the point, excellent
Having only starting to read philosophy as a hobby recently it is a reoccurring theme. Lying is falsifying someone else's perception and therefore not conducive to the growth and flourishing of humankind. It is great to hear a modern day take on this, as most of my reading has been ancient philosophy and makes me reaffirm my newfound belief that lying is harmful in life
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- Sigma
- 09-11-16
Newspaper headlines
Fifteen years ago I was given the advice to live my life, whether seen or unseen, as though my actions would be tomorrow's front page headlines. Although I felt at the time that I was a pretty truthful and ethical person it was a turning point that has made this past fifteen years so much more relaxed, enjoyable and genuine. Sam's book, although much more deeply thought out, is in the same vein.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Richard
- 02-04-18
Extremely thoughtful and effective approach
Completely changed my attitude to life. I never realised how telling the truth all the time was so effective short-term and long-term. It sounds like it comes with a lot of problems, but trust me and give it a read, you'll learn why radical (yet pragmatic) honesty will improve and safeguard your life and others.
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- Marlon Bas
- 09-04-18
An interesting perspective
Sam Harris argues well, through examples, that almost all lies, even white ones, should be avoided.
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