The Mendacious Colours of Democracy

Subtitled 'the anatomy of benevolent lying', this book rejects the position that no one should ever lie, arguing that, in a democratic system, politicians are frequently compelled to be to dishonest with a view to advancing national interest as they interpret it. The author analyses the nature of mendacity, how and why we lie and the convoluted motives for doing so. He brings an interdisciplinary perspective to his study, which is illustrated with examples from history and contemporary politics. He concludes with examples where the truth is not necessarily virtuous or efficacious, and with a specific case when William Waldegrave found it hazardous to tell the truth about lying.