Why do some people choose to believe lies even when the truth is right in front of them?

The problem is that the truth is not necessarily pleasant. The lies always are.

At the end of his life, Steve McQueen threw away his fortune on quacks that claimed to be able to cure his cancer. They were lying, of course, but the lies were far more pleasant than the truth.

The truth is not for sissies, that is why we have religion.

"Why do some people choose to believe lies even when the truth is right in front of them?"

Because brainwashing is a strong and mind-controlling affect. Which is why christian parents use brainwashing to abuse and terrorize their very young children and indoctrinate them into cult beliefs that otherwise those kids would probably laugh at.

Religious training, is the most frequent reason for that behavior. At least in my experience.

From the simple and basic facts, like gravity to the more complex emotional stuff "Why do you stay married to a spouse that beats you?" "Because marriage is holy and divorce is a sin"

And similar nonsense. All religion.

Because lies is usually more beautiful than the truth, and that sucks.

The truth is so simple to understand, but you have to have the right heart condition.

In a single word: Religion

Yeah why do so many believe him, don't they know the devil is a lie...

2 Corinthians 4:4- the god of this world has blinded their minds.

Close mindedness

It makes them feel better.