# Behavioral Economist Dan Ariely Talks about His New Book, "The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty"

In a recent visit to NYU Stern, Dan Ariely, author of *The (Honest) Truth about Dishonesty*, spoke to students and faculty about his new book. Ariely shared findings from a number of studies on honesty and cheating. He offered several insights from his research including:- Most people lie in lab studies where lying earns them more money.
- Paradoxically, people usually think of themselves as good and honest.
- Not all human values are equal when they collide. For example, maintaining peace at home can be more important than being honest.
- Parents teach their kids to lie, but in ways that are often disguised as being polite or adhering to social norms.
- Creative people are more dishonest than non-creative individuals.
- If you remind people about ethics (e.g., have them swear on a bible or sign an honor code), regardless of their ethical training or lack thereof, they are more likely to act honestly.

![Dan Ariely_book talk](/sites/default/files/assets/images/con_045264.jpg)

The event was hosted by Stern's [Business & Society Program](/experience-stern/about/departments-centers-initiatives/academic-departments/business-society-program) and the [Paduano Symposium in Business Ethics](/experience-stern/about/departments-centers-initiatives/academic-departments/business-society-program/paduano-research-symposium).

Research Center Events

— 11/12/2013

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