What is the radical honesty experiment?

The radical honesty experiment was undertaken by A.J. Jacobs and discussed on the Tim Ferriss Show. Inspired by psychologist Brad Blanton, Jacobs resolved to never lie and to say exactly what was on his mind without any filter.

The experiment had both liberating and dreadful moments. For example, when friends of his wife suggested a playdate, he bluntly expressed his lack of interest in seeing them again, which resulted in social awkwardness and anger from his wife. However, it also led to more genuine and heartfelt communications, such as expressing gratitude to a former boss, which proved emotionally uplifting 1.

In summary, while Jacobs found radical honesty to be challenging and sometimes damaging to personal relationships, it also had positive aspects, prompting more sincere interactions and expressions of appreciation 1.