(Review) 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' - Ryan Holiday

A scary portrayal of Americans' gullibility.

R.J., my husband, read this book first and then told me I had to read it as I've been in marketing most of my career. I could only read it in short bursts because it is such a true portrayal of how gullible we are as consumers that I would literally get sick to my stomach.

And now I'm telling you to read it...

I was able to con myself into thinking that I was in the communication business, and who knows maybe I was. But I did feel pressure from my bosses to exaggerate or even lie if it meant more sales. What a dumb ass I was, right? Or maybe just naive?

I don't know about you, but one of the worst things anyone can do to me is lie to me or manipulate me into doing something I otherwise might not do. After reading this book, I now realize that's most, if not all, of everything we see online dressed up and framed as news.

We get all hot and bothered about pictures being Photoshopped or altered in any way, but we couldn't give two shits about what we read? I have always felt that the general public are like sheep who don't want to think for themselves and this book confirms it. What I didn't realize is that there are a lot more wolves roaming around to take advantage of that mentality.

So I am officially disgusted with myself because I fell for it. I fell for the lies in advertising and marketing and the news.

The news, people!

Take just one minute to think about that, please. I'm begging you. One the eve of an election that will change the course of this country forever no matter what the outcome, think before you click, read, and believe anything. There are people out there who are paid to lie to you about everything if it means more money for them.

And they don't care what the consequences are as long as they're getting paid.

I cannot tell you how much this saddens and scares me, and you should feel the same way. We put our trust and hope in complete strangers, but we cannot continue to do so blindly.

I know thinking hurts, it requires effort, but for the love of all that you hold sacred and dear please start. Start making decisions based on what you believe is right instead of what you read or hear online, and I'm not just talking about the election. 

Please....