Why Big Liars Often Start Out as Small Ones

People who tell small, self-serving lies are likely to progress to bigger falsehoods, and over time, the brain appears to adapt to the dishonesty, according to a new study authored by Dan Ariely, Visitor (2006–07) and Member (2005–06) in the School of Social Science, and colleagues. The finding provides evidence for the “slippery slope” sometimes described by wayward politicians, corrupt financiers, unfaithful spouses, and others in explaining their misconduct.

Read more at the New York Times.