Main content

The Lie

Why do we lie? How do different cultures define telling the truth?

Many psychologists argue that learning to lie is an important stage for children. As early as two, children who are more developmentally advanced are much better liars. For some people, lying is something they can’t stop doing. We hear from someone whose life spiralled out of control due to her addiction to lying.

But is every lie bad? The concept of a ‘white lie’ is one we teach our children from an early age but different societies socialise their children to tell different sorts of lies. East Asian societies might be more aware of a ‘blue lie’ for example.

We explore how different cultures define telling the truth and what that shows us about our societies.

(Image: Woman holding her hand on the bible. Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

Available now

18 minutes

Last on

Mon 20 May 2013 08:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Fri 17 May 2013 18:32GMT
  • Sat 18 May 2013 22:32GMT
  • Sun 19 May 2013 11:32GMT
  • Mon 20 May 2013 01:32GMT
  • Mon 20 May 2013 08:32GMT

Get the podcast

Subscribe or download individual episodes for free

Why do we look the way we do?

Tattoos, trainers, jeans, hair, ties ... why?

Podcast