On why I am a Terrible Person

I owe a big “Thank You,” to Terry Pratchett for this one.

I, recently, have taken to frequently belittling myself and criticizing my personality flaws as a means of getting to know people. This was brought around by the realization that people are gullible. An example is needed.

I will call myself a terrible person and a consummate liar. Despite this, people trust me.

I and my roommate Adam were eating dinner with a group of fellow students affiliated with the University Honors program. During the dinner, I struck up a conversation with the people around us regarding the gullibility of people. I point out that when confronted by a street grifter, such as a man running a game of 'Find the Queen' or other such con, people try to play and win, despite the fact that we ALL know that we cannot win because the man is cheating. We either believe that we are more clever than the con-artist or, naively believe that he is an honest person.

I then go on to explain that I am, as I am, a terrible person and a complete liar. The next segment of the conversation between me and the girl across the table is best quoted.

Me: “I am a terrible person and a consummate liar. People like me. I can't explain why.”
Girl: “It's because you're so honest.”

To which I respond by letting lose a laugh so loud disturbed the entire establishment and Adam's head hit the table.

For those of you who don't read the most excellent works of Terry Prattchet, his most recent novel features a character named Moist Von Lipwig, a professional con-man who works on exactly this same principle. Thank you Mr. Pratchett

Muah!
Lyrinoir