Ian Leslie

Ian Leslie is a British author, journalist, and speaker whose books about human behaviour — lying, curiosity, and persuasion — combine psychology, neuroscience, and cultural observation with sharp, accessible writing. His work explores the hidden forces that shape how we think, communicate, and relate to each other. Leslie has worked as an advertising strategist and as a journalist, contributing to publications including The New Statesman, The Guardian, and The Economist. He writes the popular Substack newsletter The Ruffian. Born Liars: Why We Can't Live Without Deceit (2011) was his first book — an exploration of the role of lying in human evolution, social life, and culture, arguing that the ability to deceive is fundamental to what makes us human. The book draws on psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and history to examine why we lie, how we detect lies, and why a world without deception would be far worse than we imagine. Curious: The Desire to Know and Why Your Future Depends on It (2014) explored the psychology and neuroscience of curiosity — why some people are more curious than others, how curiosity drives innovation and learning, and how modern culture and education can either nurture or stifle it. Conflicted: Why Arguments Are Tearing Us Apart and How They Can Bring Us Together (2021) examined the art and science of productive disagreement in an age of polarisation. Leslie writes with clarity, wit, and a talent for making complex psychological research both accessible and relevant to everyday life. The audiobook editions of Leslie's books are engaging and thought-provoking. His books and audiobooks are essential for anyone curious about why humans behave the way they do — and how understanding ourselves better might help us communicate, argue, and connect more effectively.