Author: Dr. Alex Edmans
Genre: Non-fiction / Psychology / Critical Thinking
Ideal for: Anyone who wants to sharpen their thinking, cut through misinformation, and make better decisions in a world flooded with half-truths and statistics.
We live in an age of information overload. From headlines that scream certainty, to social media posts that simplify complexity, to “research” shared out of context—truth is slippery, and lies are often dressed up to look convincing. In May Contain Lies, Alex Edmans, a professor of finance at London Business School, takes readers on a journey through the ways numbers, stories, and even science can mislead us.
This isn’t a dry textbook on statistics. It’s a guide to survival in the modern information jungle. Edmans writes with clarity, humour, and real-world examples, showing us not only how lies slip into our daily lives, but also how to defend ourselves against them. By the end, you don’t just feel smarter—you feel equipped.
What the Book Is About
At its heart, May Contain Lies is about learning to think critically. Edmans begins with the idea that most lies we encounter aren’t necessarily malicious—sometimes they’re the result of poor communication, flawed incentives, or even wishful thinking. But whether intentional or not, these distortions shape our decisions in profound ways, from what we buy, to who we vote for, to how we see the world.
Edmans walks us through common traps: misleading averages, cherry-picked data, false correlations, and seductive anecdotes. He points out how numbers can be technically true yet still highly deceptive. And he shows us how easily even intelligent, well-meaning people can fall for these tricks.
But here’s the key: the book isn’t about making us cynical. It’s about making us curious. Instead of telling us to distrust everything, Edmans encourages us to ask better questions, look for context, and approach information with both skepticism and openness.
Why It Resonates
One of the book’s most striking qualities is its relevance. Every day, we’re bombarded with claims: “this diet guarantees results,” “this policy will save billions,” “this study proves X causes Y.” In a world that rewards speed over accuracy, it’s easy to mistake confidence for truth.
Reading May Contain Lies feels like being given a pair of glasses that suddenly bring everything into sharper focus. You begin to notice the subtle ways numbers are framed to influence opinion, the gaps in the evidence behind bold claims, and the emotional hooks that keep us from questioning what we read.
It’s not just about media or politics—it’s about everyday life. Should you invest in this stock? Should you believe the “9 out of 10 dentists” claim? Should you worry about that alarming health headline? Edmans gives you the mental tools to evaluate these questions without being overwhelmed.
A Style That Connects
Edmans is an academic, but you’d hardly know it from his writing. His style is approachable, almost conversational, with plenty of relatable examples that bring abstract concepts to life. Instead of bogging us down in equations, he tells stories—from business case studies to real-life mishaps—that illustrate how easily truth can be bent.
There’s humour here, too. The book is filled with moments that make you smile even as you’re learning something sobering. It’s this blend of rigour and readability that makes the book stand out. You never feel like you’re being lectured; you feel like you’re being let in on secrets that will change the way you see the world.
A Book About Lies, But Really About Truth
The title May Contain Lies hints at something bigger: not just identifying falsehoods, but understanding the messy reality of truth. Life is complex, and truth is often nuanced. Edmans argues that we get into trouble when we crave simplicity, when we demand clear villains and heroes, or when we cling to numbers without considering their context.
One of the most powerful messages of the book is that learning to think critically is not about being skeptical of everything. It’s about embracing complexity without being paralysed by it. It’s about being open to evidence while also questioning how that evidence is presented.
In that sense, this book is deeply empowering. It doesn’t just help us see through lies—it helps us see more of the truth.
Who Should Read This Book?
Students and young professionals, who are still shaping their worldview and need tools to cut through misinformation. Leaders and decision-makers, who want to avoid being misled by data or falling prey to bad advice. Everyday readers, who are tired of feeling overwhelmed by conflicting news and want clarity. Anyone who cares about truth, from scientists and educators to parents teaching their kids how to navigate the digital world.
In short: this isn’t a book for specialists—it’s for everyone. Because in a world that may contain lies, the ability to think critically is not optional. It’s essential.
What Sets It Apart
There are other books on critical thinking and misinformation, but May Contain Lies stands out for its balance. It doesn’t lean too heavily on cynicism, nor does it oversimplify. It respects the reader’s intelligence while also making complex ideas accessible.
Another strength is the breadth of examples. Edmans pulls from politics, business, science, and culture, weaving them into a narrative that feels both global and personal. Whether you’re interested in economics, psychology, or just everyday decision-making, there’s something here for you.
Highly recommended if you liked:
- Factfulness by Hans Rosling
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli
Final Thoughts
May Contain Lies is more than just a book—it’s a toolkit for modern life. It teaches us how to spot manipulation, how to question without despair, and how to navigate a world where truth is often blurred.
Alex Edmans has written something rare: a book that is both intellectually rigorous and genuinely enjoyable to read. It’s practical without being dry, insightful without being overwhelming, and hopeful without being naive.
This is the kind of book that changes how you read the news, how you listen to arguments, and how you make decisions in your own life. It sharpens your mind, but it also makes you appreciate the value of truth in a noisy world.
Five stars—because it deserves nothing less.
