"It is time to formulate, in light of evolutionary thinking, a general theory of deception and self-deception that applies to all kinds - and primarily to our own. We are passionate liars, even to ourselves. Language, the most precious acquisition of our species, not only enhances our ability to deceive, but greatly expands its scope. We can lie about events distant in space and time, about the details and meaning of others' behavior, about our inner thoughts and desires, etc. But why self-deception? Why do we possess such remarkable sensory organs for detecting information, if we are going to distort incoming information as soon as it reaches the mind? [...]
I wrote this book with a specific logical sequence in mind. In the beginning, I develop the evolutionary logic and provide a brief overview of deception in Nature. Then, I discuss, in order, the neurophysiological characteristics of deception, induced self-deception, deceptive phenomena in family and gender relations, immunological and socio-psychological extensions of self-deception, and its impact on everyday life and its various manifestations, including aviation and space accidents, false historical narratives, war, religion, and social sciences. Finally, I conclude with some thoughts on how we can combat self-deception in our personal lives. [...]"

(from the book's Introduction)