Is lying a sign of insecurity Or ignorance?

Question

Considering both aspects, insecurity would be a sign of some intelligence, while ignorance explains itself. However, to say "both" gives anther dimension to the the prospect. What are your view-points on the situation?

Answer 1

That's a very broad question.

Since lies are a conscious act, I don't see how they can fall into the category of ignorance.

There are "lies" to protect someone's feelings or avoid confrontation. I suppose that is a type of insecurity if the liar doesn't want to have deal with the emotions that come from telling the truth, but it seems to be more an act of compassion...even when it is misdirected.

Of course, there are lies to purposefully deceive someone in order to gain some sort of advantage. I don't see how that is either ignorance or insecurity.

Answer 2

I believe in the principle of there is no such thing as a "good lie" because a lie is a lie.

People lie to others who have low self-esteem because they think it helps them. In fact, it's actually hurting them once they show themselves in society. Im basing this statement on a friend asking a friend if they look alright, the friend tells them they look great, they go out and get made fun of.

Ignorance is from the lack of understanding. So in essence, lying has a hint of ignorance. People lie to agree or disagree with someone else. It's often found in debating. When two people are discussing the same idea, they probably agree with the other person's ideas but would rather spark a heated debate so they lie about their feelings.

So to answer the question, lying is a sign of both insecurity and ignorance because not only are you being fake to others, you are not being truthful to yourself.

Answer 3

Ignorance is more of an aspect of them not knowing the truth, so in essence they aren't telling a lie in accordance to how they know the world. Insecurity about how other's would accept the truth would then leave the only reason for lying.

Answer 4

I'd say both, actually. Plus, the person who's doing the lieing must not trust the person being lied to. At least not to be able to handle the truth. Lieing is also habit forming. It gets to where lieing is easier than telling the truth for some people. Of course, for some people, lieing is just a way to cover up even worse behavior, so it's self-serving. And then of course, there are people who simply don't realize that their lieing, so none of these explainations work in their case. And except for those individuals who have a mental problem, none of these excuses are good enough for me. I hate being lied to almost more than anything else. It hurts my heart when someone close to me lies to me.

Answer 5

I would think that insecurity is the stronger factor in this statement.
The truth is that lying may be the quick fix for added security. But it will definitely lead to a feeling of ignorance once the truth is revealed.

Answer 6

I know someone that is a pathological liar. He grew up with ineffectual parents. They let him rule the house. He was a drug addict, which led to an almost fatal heart attack in his mid 20's. He grew to lie so much he doesn't know what the truth is. He is also a VERY ignorant and manipulating person. He tries to make people feel guilty for doubting what he says. He is a very controlling person. His younger sister is so controlled by him that at age 35 she is afraid to date anyone and is still a virgin. She has never had a boyfriend, and she thinks that everything that comes out of his mouth is the truth. I think what he is doing is more for control, which he is upset over because our family has nothing to do with him now because of his actions and he tries to make us feel guilty.

Answer 7

depends on the lying.
-is the person lying to make themselves look better?
...this sounds like insecurity
-are they lying to prevent some body's feelings from getting hurt?
...this could be someone with good intentions but it could get out of hand if the truth is found out and they're caught in the lie.
-are they lying to keep themselves from getting into trouble for something?
...this is ignorant intelligence, they're smart enough to figure out how to tell the lie, but ignorant to think the truth won't come out

Answer 8

This question really depends on the intention of the liar I would presume... being polite, sarcasm, or simply just being an ***.. lying is no way of getting out of things :/

Answer 9

I feel that lying may be an insecurity as to not look ignorant.

Answer 10

Insecurity and low self esteem, I think makes people lie.
Ignorance, I could see though too.So many pompous people lie. So I'd say all three things.