"A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." -- Mark TwainOn the whole, I think lies tend to be simpler than truths. If so, that might explain their relative "velocity". Lies spread faster than truths because they are easier to communicate.
Take the Theory of Evolution. Most of lies told about it can be expressed in a sentence or two. Most of the truths told to counter those lies require a bit more explanation. For instance, I recently came across a post on the internet that consisted of the assertion "human footprints found beside dinosaur tracks", a photo of the alleged footprints and tracks, and the question, "How can evolutionists disprove this evidence?"
Of course, "evolutionists" can indeed disprove that claim. But only by going into some detail about how the various marks were made. That sort of detail is at a competitive disadvantage with a lie that's just as pithy as a joke's punchline.
But do you think Twain is right? Do lies generally spread faster than truths? And if so, is it because lies are often enough simpler than truths, and therefore easier to communicate?
I think you've definitely got a point, Paul, and that there's a lot of truth to "That sort of detail is at a competitive disadvantage with a lie that's just as pithy as a joke's punchline."
ReplyDeleteSimple messages do seem to spread more quickly and resonate more broadly across the population. I think that's why politicians like concise talking points and short phrases (i.e. "death panels") to quickly manipulate public opinion.
But I think you may be closer to finding the answer to your last question in that pithiness; which may speak to a more general attraction to sensationalism. You have to get the people to want to spread the lie in order for it to spread quickly. In your example, that desire is there because it supports the position of the Young Earth Creationists. In other cases it may just be that the gossip is so "juicy" that the hearer can't wait to tell all, even if that "all" ain't all at all. ;-)
TWF, that's brilliant! A good lie needs a willing audience, or an audience with a motive to spread it. That's probably why my lies about my sexual prowess never seem to impress anyone. There's no one out there with a need or desire to believe them. Damn!
DeleteI agree with TWF but I think there's more to it than a desire to spread the lie.
ReplyDeleteYou also need people who enjoy thinking the worst about others. There are people in this world who interpret the actions of others under the assumption that _everyone_ is cynical, selfish and dishonest.
So if I started a rumour claiming that Paul Sunstone is a big jerk they'd not only agree with me they'd feel like it validated their worldview.
Um, not that I think you're a jerk! Just realized how that could sound. :)
DeleteAt first I thought you were getting at major truth there with your talk of me being a jerk, but then you had to qualify it, Lydia! I'm just kidding (I hope).
DeleteSeriously, I think between you and TWF we're arriving at some sound conditions for why one lie might take off and another might not. That is, I agree with your point. Some people are going to be predisposed by their nasty disposition to spread lies. My mom used to say of our hometown that nearly everyone in it was a gossip, but a few of them were malicious gossips. Guess which ones were more likely to spread lies?
Lies do travel quickly and once they are heard and believed they are hard to undo. I know there are lies about me from 20 years ago still banging around. I take a little comfort in, I know the truth no matter what someone else says.
ReplyDeleteYou strike me as an exceptionally strong individual, too, Bruce. You have that going for you in the face of those lies.
DeleteHopefully internet resources, like Snopes, etc., may actually begin to slow lies.
ReplyDeleteIt's sure easier to catch them or debunk them when you can pull your smart phone out and check the validity right in front of the person spreading the lies.
Many lies seem to spread quicker because they confirm what people want to believe. It's definitely easier to confirm our beliefs than to change them.
That's a fascinating thought, Loren! I can imagine it taking some time to catch on, but sooner or later, folks are bound to start checking resources like Snopes in realtime. I agree with you -- that could have a devastating effect on lies and myths.
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