A lie could be summed up as a statement viewed by the receiver of the information as false. It has two major determining factors, the recipient of the information holds the judgment whether it is a lie not the conveyor of the message, and this recipient has no prior knowledge of the matter.

Others believe that it is a statement at variance with the mind as defined by Thomas Aquinas. But take note that the receiver of the information has the judgment whether it is false or true. A truth, if regarded by the person hearing it as a lie would remain as a lie. You might ask, what about lying to oneself? I would say that is impossible! An individual who does that is not on his right mind. Victims of lying are of course complete strangers to the information relayed. Also, the number of those who believe or do not believe in a certain subject would not affect its truthfulness or falsehood. The decision is very personal. 6 billion people here on Earth who believes in the presence of God would not change the belief of Atheists. What is true to one maybe a lie to others.

Lying is done to make other people reverse original plans or to believe the contrary. This is done for personal favor of the liar.

Someone who speaks of a lie as a way of automatic response to a question or to relay an information is a compulsive liar. There is no clear reason why do they need to lie as they don’t even need care about it. They acquire comfort through lying as gossipers gain relief from mongering. They take no considerations and no regard as to what would be the result of their actions. An obsession which is very hard for them to end as it is now a psychological part of their system.

Now, you might mistake some pathological liars to be compulsive liars. Here is the difference. A pathological liar is someone who lies persistently to get their way out. They do this with very little affection to the feelings or respect to the rights of the people affected. The purpose of lying overrides the feeling of guilt. A lawyer would consciously thwart realities in exchange of fortune from high-paying clients. Pathological liars are manipulative, self-centered, and purpose-driven. Still others maybe conscience-stricken after the process.

Whether someone lies occasionally or regularly doesn’t suggest that it is compulsive lying or pathological lying. It is best to consider the purpose.