Lying is not a symptom of ignorance. The difference between a lie and saying something that is untrue is the former implies the orator knows what he is saying is untrue and yet says it anyway.
Pete's industry lied about their ability to contain a blown pipe in deep water drilling...and the lied about whose fault it was when it happened....and then they lied about it being Obama's fault that their mess didnt get cleaned up in short order.
I have no doubt your friend knows his stuff...and I also have no doubt he lies alot.