Liar

by Robert S. Feldman

Ever told someone they looked 'great' when they really looked awful? Ever said you'd be 'there in a second' ...knowing it would be more like five minutes? Ever made up an excuse to get out of a difficult situation? Or claimed that you never told lies? Never? Liar! But don't feel bad - we all tell lies, all the time. Two to three times in a ten-minute conversation is the average according to the latest research. From the 'white lies' that help smooth over tricky social situations to lies told with intent to harm, lying plays a huge - and crucial - role in our society at every level. Drawing on mindboggling examples of real-life liars who were caught in the act as well as years of research into deception, Robert Feldman, one of the world's leading authorities in the field, reveals the truth about why we lie, including how children learn to do it, what it costs us, how we benefit and how it can fail with catastrophic consequences.

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2010

About the author

Robert S. Feldman is Dean in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Professor of Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Feldman, who is winner of the College Distinguished Teacher award, has also taught courses at Mount Holyoke College, Wesleyan University, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

A Fellow of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychological Society, Feldman received a B.A. with High Honors from Wesleyan University and an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is winner of a Fulbright Senior Research Scholar and Lecturer award and has written more than 100 books, book chapters, and scientific articles. In addition, he is on the Board of Directors of the Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences (FABBS).

His books, which have been translated into languages ranging from Spanish and French to Chinese and Japanese, include The Liar in Your Life, Understanding Psychology, Essentials of Understanding Psychology, Fundamentals of Nonverbal Behavior, Development of Nonverbal Behavior in Children, Social Psychology, Development Across the Life Span, and P.O.W.E.R. Learning: Strategies for Success in College and Life. His research interests include honesty and deception and impression management. His research has been supported by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute on Disabilities and Rehabilitation Research.

Reviews

[Mohan Krishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Author Robert Feldman is a Professor of Psychological Science, University of Massachusetts. The book 'Liar: The Truth About Lying' is about the lies everyday 24/7, which we encounter. The author took much effort to refer various research works carried out about the deception. The book was containing 11 chapters with final conclusion chapter. Various insights about different kinds of lies, which we are all encounter in our day to day life. The author categorized the lies in to white lies (harmless lies) and lies with intention (harmful lies. The white lies are general lies with no intention to harm anyone, instead to please some one or to satisfy someone. The lies with intention are harmful, there is a intention behind the deceit, it may financial, betrayal, infidelity etc.... its harmful.
The Author shared various research works done by various Psychological science professionals and doctors. The book is really a GOOD READ. I have read the 2010 edition, now we are in 2025, almost 15 Years later. There are deceit & lies every where. Sold media, paid news, social media propaganda. Its really difficult to find out the actual facts from the news.
The thinks are going very bad, we need to verify the authenticity of every news reporting using a third party fact checkers.

[Aref Adwani · Rating 3 out of 5]

quite interesting ideas but a bit boring to read.

[Amina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some good facts but the writer flipping has all the time in the world. I NEVER not finish a book, but this was so damn boring I had to go give it back to the libs before I died of fatigue

[Cass · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everything about this book - the ideas behind it, interesting facts and studies & stories were great! The actual Writing though, could've been much better.

[Suzi]

Insightful and interesting. Not quite as good as Malcolm Gladwell but this book does raise some interesting questions and he does some hilarious experiments on people which make it worthwhile.

[James · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring