The quote from Jodi Picoult's "My Sister's Keeper" suggests that there are two compelling motivations behind the decision to lie. First, individuals may choose deception to achieve personal desires or goals, as honesty might not lead to favorable outcomes for them. This reflects the human tendency to prioritize self-interest over transparency in certain situations.

Secondly, the quote highlights a more compassionate reason for lying: to protect others from emotional pain or harm. In these cases, the intention is not malicious but rather stems from a desire to shield loved ones from difficult truths. Thus, the act of lying can be viewed through a dual lens of self-preservation and empathy.