Why do people get fascinated by telling lies?

Why do people get fascinated by telling lies?

Lies have a strange attraction that often fascinates people. Despite the value of truth, many are drawn to falsehoods for various reasons. Here are key points that explain why people find lies so captivating from Francis Bacon’s (1561-1626) essay “Of Truth (1625).”

Lies Add Pleasure to Life: Lies can make life more enjoyable. It adds a layer of excitement and fantasy. Francis Bacon observed that 

A mixture of a lie doth ever add pleasure.

This means that when we mix lies with our thoughts, it can make our lives seem more colorful and interesting. Just like stories and movies, which are often based on fictional elements, lies can make reality seem more appealing and entertaining.

Lies Offer a Sense of Freedom: Another reason people are fascinated by lies is that they provide a sense of freedom. Lies allow people to escape the constraints of truth and reality. They can imagine different possibilities and scenarios without being tied down by the facts. This sense of freedom can be very liberating and enjoyable.

Lies Can Seem More Attractive: Lastly, lies often appear more attractive than the truth. Bacon explained that,

 Truth is a naked and open daylight.

In other words, the plain truth can seem dull and unappealing. However, lies are like the glow of candlelight. It can make things appear more beautiful and glamorous. Lies can create an illusion of a better reality, which can be very enticing.

In conclusion, people are fascinated by lies. Lies add pleasure to life, offer a sense of freedom, and seem more attractive than the truth. This explains why people often find themselves attracted to the fascinating world of lies.