Vital Lies, Simple Truths

The Psychology of Self-Deception

This book explores the psychological mechanisms of self-deception and how individuals and groups ignore inconvenient truths to protect themselves from anxiety. The author examines how attention is selectively deployed to create blind spots and maintain psychological comfort. Through various examples from clinical practice and daily life, the text illustrates the subtle ways the mind distorts reality. It emphasizes the importance of confronting these internal illusions to foster greater self-awareness and personal clarity.

by Daniel Goleman

Simon & Schuster · First published 1985 · 287 pages