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Why do we lie?

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    Research shows everyone cheats a little

  • Duration 3:50
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And -- remember John Edwards to Bernie Madoff there's some of the most notorious liars of our time but and a new book.

Be honest truth about -- -- author Dan.

-- Ellie suggests -- tall tales aren't as rampant as the white lies we all tell every single day.

Here to break down the books researchers doctor capital of forensic psychiatrist author and Fox News medical contributor he joins us live from Boston this morning -- -- see this morning.

Nice to see you so the bottom line in this -- this book is that everyone lies.

Even if just a little bit.

Yet the bottom -- in this book is that the big told to society isn't the Bernie Madoff who can figure their way.

In to your house if you will through the front door and asked the locks because they're so Smart the real threat.

-- -- to society are the millions of people who -- just a little bit on their taxes at work.

-- in school etc.

that's the main thrust of this book.

And found essentially that the top 1% lies all the time the bottom 1%.

Never ever lives but most of us fit right there in the middle but why do rely according to this research.

Right.

98% of the people the author suggests.

It in fact -- a little bit and wide number one lying is contagious.

Is the contention.

If you see someone else is doing it.

You're likely to do it yourself especially if they're profiting by it and so this is where it comes -- at work.

And -- on your taxes in the rest of it is that people tend to be heard animals we follow other people who live successfully.

As well as we don't feel that -- compromising our character too much.

Next on the list it if you feel like you're getting a bum deal -- -- more likely to -- feel like you're being cheated right.

Yes in the tests that the author -- colleagues conducted over decades if people feel depleted.

And as if they're tasks are very hard to do when they're being tested with various puzzles and then being asked by the way to report how many did you solve.

Well if the tasks are really hard and they're not checked up on they will over report how many -- solved because they feel put upon.

So that may be something you know employers may be able to quit is their employees hey listen how can we make things a little bit easier for you.

While still getting results.

What about the consequences is lying so prevalent because there are not consequences that I.

You know the researchers suggest otherwise -- -- that not that consequences.

That matter it's reminding people not to do it so.

These tests included things like telling people you're not supposed to lie and steal.

Well that actually reduces people's lying and stealing if they had people sign at the top of a form.

That related to reporting things accurately like your taxes or on an auto loan.

A fake auto loan form that people would fill out signing at the top reduces lying on the form.

As opposed to sign at the bottom why because you're vowing.

Not to -- from the beginning.

-- and I like this when people are willing to lie for a virtual something over actual.

Cache so when it's not really in your hand you're more likely a lot.

Yet people don't like to be the bag men that they don't want that concrete evidence -- I just took ten dollars.

What kind of person in my life.

However they would -- more for tokens.

Want to -- is just one step.

It's one step removed you'll take the casino tokens but you'd be unlikely to grab the money off the blackjack table.

Doctor we know you are -- that 1% that never lies he would never like I am not.

-- -- thanks so much is that the truth tough target -- And thanks to.

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