People lie for lots of reasons, often because it seems like a way to get what they want with less effort.
One key factor in the downward spiral in our educational system is that there is too much stroking and too little real feedback.
Experience is often the most valuable thing you have to offer.
Sometimes, all you have to do is ask.
I didn't know there was a dying-professor section at the bookstore.
Be willing to apologize. Proper apologies have three parts: 1) What I did was wrong. 2) I'm sorry that I hurt you. 3) How do I make it better? It's the third part that people tend to forget. Apologize when you screw up and focus on other people, not on yourself.