5 Classic Questions Liars Ask And How To Respond With Stoicism

NextLevel Coach

01 Oct 2023 • 2 min read

5 Classic Questions Liars Ask | And How to Respond with Stoicism

When you find yourself ensnared in a conversation with someone who thrives on deception, you might notice their attempts to manipulate your emotions. Welcome to the world where liars ask questions that are less about seeking the truth and more about steering you off course. Here are five classic questions that’ll make any Stoic raise an eyebrow (or an entire eyebrow arch):

1. "Why do you think I would lie to you?"

Ah, the artful dodge! This charming inquiry flips the script. Instead of addressing your concerns, they're inviting you to defend their honesty. A true Stoic would respond with indifference, recognizing this ploy as an attempt to instill doubt about your perceptions. Remember: “The things you think about determine the quality of your mind” (Source: The Stoic Challenge).

2. "Can’t you take a joke?"

This question rivals the classic "too soon" line. When they play the comedian after telling a whopper, they're not being funny; they’re deflecting accountability. Laughter can be a mask for discomfort, and any Stoic knows to cut through the pretense. Recall, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters” (Source: Epictetus).

3. "What’s the harm in believing me?"

This is code for "Please ignore the growing pile of evidence against me." Here, they aim to garner empathy—classic misdirection! Stoic wisdom teaches us to evaluate our decisions based on reason, not emotional manipulation. “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength” (Source: Marcus Aurelius).

4. "Are you really going to let a little misunderstanding ruin our relationship?"

Appeals to emotion, relationships, and misunderstandings are nothing but smoke and mirrors. This grappling move pulls on your heartstrings to cloud your judgment. A Stoic response? “The very things that hold you down are going to lift you up” (Source: Tim Ferriss).

5. "What if I told you..."

This tantalizing lead-in is an invitation to speculation—“What if I told you I was a secret agent?” Yes, and what if I told you I could fly? A Stoic would know that living in a hypothetical world is a ticket to nowhere. The truth is far more valuable than flights of fancy. Stoicism teaches, “If it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it” (Source: Marcus Aurelius).

Next time you're in the presence of a liar, remember these questions. Not only will your Stoic backbone remain unshaken, but you'll also realize that the real humor lies in watching them unearth their own contradictions. Move forward with indifference and a hint of amusement—it’s the Stoic way.

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