Simmel and Shakespeare on Lying and Love

This article contributes to the development of sociology lying by exploring some earliest comments on topic, which are be found amongst Georg Simmel’s writings about secrecy. We outline broader approach interaction, as an experience that is conditioned upon non-knowledge, and work towards attribution him discovery aesthetic concealment revelation. This, we argue, can used a founding block in lying. then examine what Simmel has say specifically find he falls into contradiction tries link other social forms, such love, shifting patterns life understood define modernity. To refine his approach, look back period early modernity during questions self-revelation being explored literature lived uncertainly. Specifically, take detailed at William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 138, for it clearly articulates complex, relational dynamics love allows us read this account explain why confusion. conclude posing series taking position sociologists should study phenomenon.