The universality of lying is discussed in its manifold variety. The socially desirable takes precedence over truth. The primitive though truthful expression of our thoughts would not have allowed the formation of a well-functioning social order. Lies may be used as a neurotic defense against feelings of insecurity and inferiority. Subconscious self-deception and unconscious rationalization are lies to oneself. Lying is also related, in the grosser forms of psychopathology, to memory disturbance in confabulation, retrospective falsification, amnestic states, pseudologia phantastica and pathological lying. Generally, psychotics do not lie while neurotics lie defensively or for reasons of hostility or compensation. The true psychopath lies consciously for gain or to protect himself against punishment.