The results of some surveys conducted in America show that most people tell lies to varying degrees , for various reasons . Sometimes they lie to make others happy . For example , one may pretend to be more positive of a friend or spouse than he or she really is . Sometimes they lie to promote themselves , which is getting popular . Sometimes they lie to avoid hurting others , particularly when the unvarnished truth is perhaps too hard to accept . Some people regard lies as a necessary social lubricant . Anyway , they lie to hide the truth . Views on lies vary from person to person . Some people hold that falsehoods , even if seemingly harmless , could have some unforeseen consequences . After the initial lie , one needs to tell more lies to cover up the first one , which may become a heavy mental burden in the end . One philosopher warns that one can put himself on a slippery slope if one lies , as his psychological barriers wear down . But some other people hold that we don ' t have to avoid all white lies at all costs , for a white lie could be only an exchange of the principle of trust for the principle of caring . What is your view ?