We all want explanations for why we behave as we do and for the ways the world around us functions.Dan Ariely
Our behavior is driven by two opposing motivations. On one hand, we want to view ourselves as honest, honorable people. On the other hand, we want to benefit from cheating and get as much money and other material goods as we can.Dan Ariely
We are our own judges about our own honesty. And it is this fudge factor that allows us to cheat, but only a little bit, because when we cheat just a little bit, we can still view ourselves as good people.Dan Ariely
By arranging things as if no one particular person is responsible for the dishonest act, we allow for dishonesty to take place but without anyone individual feeling that they themselves are being dishonest.Dan Ariely
Without checks and balances, we slide down the slippery slope a little and then a bit more and a bit more.Dan Ariely
Cheating is not about benefits, it is about our ability to rationalize, and the force behind this ability is conflicts of interest.Dan Ariely
When we are removed from any benchmarks of ethical thought, we tend to stray into dishonesty. But if we are reminded of morality at the moment we are tempted, then we are much more likely to be honest.Dan Ariely
The greater the number of people who find any means of justification, the easier it becomes for others to take the next step into even more dishonest behavior.Dan Ariely
In essence, our capacity for dishonesty isn’t as limitless as it seems. We are bounded in our dishonesty.Dan Ariely
What social science has found is that we still think of ourselves as honest even when we act dishonestly. The challenge is changing this perception, especially when there are lots of things working to keep it in place.Dan Ariely
Although the magnitude of dishonesty we embark upon is generally influenced by the potential benefit, it’s the ability to rationalize that allows us to cheat.Dan Ariely