To lie is to erect a boundary between the truth we are living and the perception others have of us.

The intent to communicate honestly is the measure of truthfulness.

In many circumstances in life, false encouragement can be very costly to another person.

Honesty is a gift we can give to others. It is also a source of power and an engine of simplicity. Knowing that we will attempt to tell the truth, whatever the circumstances, leaves us with little to prepare for. Knowing that we told the truth in the past leaves us with nothing to keep track of. We can simply be ourselves in every moment.

The moment we consider our dishonesty from the perspective of those we lie to, we recognize that we would feel betrayed if the roles were reversed.

pacifist.

People lie so that others will form beliefs that are not true. The more consequential the beliefs—that is, the more a person’s well-being demands a correct understanding of the world or of other people’s opinions—the more consequential the lie.

To lie is to intentionally mislead others when they expect honest communication.

egregious