Greed is the #1 fault of dishonest politicians.

But in the situation I described, what possible motive could there be for him to lie to a random adjunct faculty member of just another college? Trying to impress me?

The main flaw in all of us is delusion, referred to in Buddhism as ignorance. Ignorance in this sense is not low IQ, but simply "not knowing" how things really exist. The ego, the sense of Self is a delusion that we think exists as some real solid self-existant thing. It SEEMS real, but look as hard as you can, and you won't find a self. We all have a mind, but it also is unfindable. We defend this sense of self and string together a ,lot of experiences and feelings and label it "I." In the case of your adjunct faculty member, I would guess that in his mind, he nurtures envy for what others have accomplished that he failed at. So he imagines himself to have done what he envies and gets to feel his ego inflate when he lies to others. It's a vicarious and ultimately unsatisfying experience for him.

That's my 2 cents about it.

I’m asking this question totally sincerely.

Greed or self-aggrandizement are a couple of reasons people play loose with the truth. The reasons behind those keep psychiatrists and cops busy.

recognized and seen as special. He thought he could safely get his narcissistic supply from you because you were a stranger who would not cause him narcissistic injury by questioning him.

His need to lie about his status is related to several of the traits common to narcissism:

-Grandiosity with expectations of superior treatment from others
-Fixation on fantasies of power, success, intelligence, attractiveness, etc.
-Self-perception of being unique, superior, and associated with high-status people and institutions
-Need for continual admiration from others

Obviously there are other traits associated with narcissism but these are the ones relevant to the situation you describe.

Since you didn't know him or have any reason to check up on his claims, it never occurred to him that you would do so.

been subject to quite a bit of research.

I recall reading that one of the most common traits of political leaders (and business leaders as well) is narcissism well above the general population's statistical norm.

While being a narcissist may or may not mean they have a mental illness, they do exhibit certain traits:

- They expect to get special treatment.
- They exaggerate their own smarts, success, power, and looks.
- The lack empathy
- They may be extremely jealous and ultra-sensitive.

Because of these traits, they may find it super-difficult to have healthy relationships, and have loads of trouble in structured social situations like work or school.

Please note that this trait crosses political and ideological boundaries.

My 2nd husband (hey, don't judge unless you know the stories) - was just like the man you describe & just like Dolt45. Had to embellish everything because he felt (secretly, deep inside - probably not even conscious of it) woefully inadequate. He'd failed at just about everything he'd tried, but that was embarrassing, so he made up stuff. All the time. Repeated the lies so many times, he began to believe it was the truth. Had a powerful belief that he was superior to others & very much entitled to whatever he wanted. Enraged when he saw friends achieving (through hard work & effort he never bothered to do) their best goals. He was insecure and resentful as hell when anyone other than him did well.

His insecurities made him mean and cruel. I was lucky to escape him.

Sound familiar?

Everybody lies for one reason or another, but does it take a certain number of lies or their frequency to label someone dishonest?
Must the lies be self-serving in some respect?