This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.

Every day, ordinary people engage in countless acts of deception that range from trivial social pleasantries to significant misrepresentations that can alter the course of relationships and careers. This pervasive presence of lying in daily life is not an indication of moral decay or widespread dishonesty, but rather reflects the complex social functions that deception serves in navigating the intricate web of human relationships, professional obligations, and personal identity management that characterizes modern existence.

White lies permeate social interactions with such frequency that most people are unaware of how often they engage in minor deceptions designed to spare feelings, maintain relationships, and smooth over social friction. These seemingly harmless falsehoods include compliments about appearance or cooking that may not reflect genuine opinions, expressions of enthusiasm for social events that hold little real appeal, and reassurances about availability or interest that prioritize politeness over complete honesty.

Professional deception forms an integral part of workplace culture through resume embellishments, strategic omissions during job interviews, diplomatic responses to difficult colleagues, and performance evaluations that emphasize positive aspects while minimizing problems. The competitive nature of modern work environments often rewards those who can present themselves and their accomplishments in the most favorable light, creating pressure to engage in various forms of self-promotional deception.