Lying has not only become socially expected, but also accepted. There's something called "justified dishonesty," which human beings have always engaged in. The difference now, is that it has permeated the social landscape on a consistent, massive scale, and the value of the truth has been...
I haven't read the entire thing, but, when I was younger, I did read a considerable portion. I didn't find it inspiring or useful in any way. But, if someone does, more power to them.
I feel sorry for any kids who are raised in an environment where they are taught they are (and treated as) "sinners." What a great way to end up messed up for your entire life.
I've always viewed genes as a potential range, and environment as where in that range one ends up. This is a simplified model, but I have encountered various studies and experiments over the years which support this framework.
Year ago, it was a marginally serious hobby. Now, I just snap away with different settings, pick out the best candidates, and modify the cropping and various levels in Photoshop to get the desired results.