The Truth About Dishonesty

The Economist magazine profiles HERE a new book titled, "The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty," written by a  psychologist who has spent years studying cheating. It reads in part:

"People routinely struggle with two opposing emotions. They view themselves as honourable. But they also want to enjoy the benefits of a little cheating, especially if it reinforces their belief that they are a bit more intelligent or popular than they really are... The amount of fudging that goes on depends on the circumstances. People are more likely to lie or cheat if others are lying or cheating, or if a member of another social group... visibly flouts the rules. They are more likely to lie and cheat if they are in a foreign country rather than at home... They are more likely to lie and cheat if they have been stiffed by the victim of their misbehaviour—companies that keep customers in voicemail hell are frequent victims. And people are more likely to break their own rules if they have spent the day resisting temptation: dieters often slip after a day of self-denial, for example."