Why Do People Lie and Try to Show Themselves as Superior to Others?
Lying and self-promotion are as old as human interaction itself. From exaggerating achievements to pretending to know more than they actually do, many people twist the truth to appear stronger, smarter, or more successful. But why do people lie and try to show themselves as superior to others? The reasons are deeply rooted in psychology, survival instincts, and social dynamics.
The Psychology Behind Lying
At its core, lying is often a defence mechanism. People lie to protect themselves from shame, judgment, or rejection. When individuals fear they may not be accepted as they truly are, they create an enhanced version of themselves.
Common motives include:
-
Avoiding consequences – Hiding mistakes or failures.
-
Protecting self-image – Maintaining a “perfect” reputation.
-
Gaining approval – Wanting others to admire or respect them.
The Desire for Superiority
Trying to look superior is closely linked to human nature. Psychologists explain that self-enhancement helps individuals compete for social standing, resources, and respect. In fact, superiority can be a mask for insecurity.
For example:
-
Someone insecure about their finances may exaggerate their income.
-
A person uncertain about their intelligence may belittle others to feel smarter.
-
People with low self-esteem may brag as a way to validate their worth.
Fear, Ego, and Comparison
Fear of being overlooked or undervalued often drives people to lie or act superior. The ego thrives on comparison—it wants to be “better” than others. In today’s world of social media, where likes and followers create constant competition, this tendency has only intensified.
In simple terms, many lies are not about deceiving others maliciously but about covering up fears and insecurities.
The Hidden Cost of Superiority Lies
While lies and superiority can offer temporary confidence, they create long-term problems:
-
Damaged trust – Once lies are discovered, credibility is lost.
-
Weakened relationships – Superiority often pushes people away instead of attracting respect.
-
Emotional exhaustion – Keeping up false images drains mental energy.
How to Break the Cycle
If someone feels stuck in lying or superiority behaviour, they can choose a healthier path:
-
Practice Honesty with Yourself – Acknowledge insecurities instead of hiding them.
-
Build Genuine Confidence – Focus on growth, not comparison.
-
Embrace Vulnerability – Admitting flaws can create deeper human connections.
-
Celebrate Others’ Success – Recognising others’ strengths reduces the urge to compete.
-
Seek Professional Help if Needed – Therapy can uncover deeper fears driving the behaviour.
Final Thoughts
People lie and try to show superiority not because they are naturally bad, but because they are often battling fear, insecurity, or unmet emotional needs. By understanding these roots, we can respond with empathy—while also holding space for truth and authenticity. True strength doesn’t come from superiority; it comes from honesty, humility, and genuine self-confidence.
References For Further Reading:
Can Long-Term Fear Be Transferred Into Diseases? Understanding the Mind-Body Connection
Unlock the Fear of Failure: How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Thrive in Any Situation
Toxic Positivity: Why Ignoring Negative Emotions Hurts More Than It Helps
Adler’s idea of superiority complex as a defence against inferiority, Healthline, Verywell Mind, Wikipedia
Self-serving bias and its role in self-esteem preservation, Wikipedia