Are We Wired to Cheat? The Science of Deception and Self-Deception

What Evolutionary Psychology Reveals About Honesty, Guilt, and the Masks We Wear

Why do even good people sometimes lie, cheat, or hide the truth? ‘The Moral Animal’ argues that deception is not just a moral failing—it’s an ancient survival strategy. Wright shows that lying, both to others and to ourselves, can be adaptive. If you can convince yourself that your lie is true, you’re less likely to give yourself away, making self-deception a powerful (if dangerous) tool.

But what keeps society from collapsing under the weight of lies? The answer is conscience. Guilt and shame evolved to keep us in line with group norms, fostering trust and cooperation. Yet, our moral instincts are not perfect—they are biased toward kin, shaped by context, and sometimes blind to their own contradictions. By understanding the evolutionary roots of deception and conscience, we can learn to forgive ourselves and others, strive for honesty, and build stronger communities. 1 2