‘Trust No One’ – Right or Wrong?
Recently I read somewhere earnest advice that suggested that in business – and by inference I guess in life – you should trust no one.
Self-interests will prevail over loyalty, and unspeakable betrayals will occur on a regular basis. This is the inevitable reward of Paddington Bear-level naivety.
And I would have to concede: been there, done that, bear the scars on my back of numerous knives having dug in over the decades.
However, on the whole, I remain trusting (or naive if you prefer to put it that way). Because here’s what I’ve learned: take the hits, get back up, shake it off, bandage your back, forgive, forget, ignore, refocus and keep moving forward.
Never stop being a good person because of bad people
Anonymous
But most importantly of all, never stop seeking out the best in others not the worst. Don’t let cynicism set in and toxicity spread like cancer through your spirit. Because the vast majority of people DO NOT want to stab you in the back!
Look in the mirror, be honest. We’re all imperfect beings, that’s what makes us interesting.
At some point we’ve all slighted, undermined or betrayed others through our existence, whether directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally. Sometimes you can’t help it, or help yourself.
He who does not trust enough will not be trusted.
Lao Tzu
We all plod through life being the best we can, aspire to fairness, strive for civility and aim to keep our morality intact.
Recognise this in yourself and see this in others.
Believe in the inherent goodness of people, and every now and then, someone will amaze you with their generosity, graciousness and selflessness. They’ll leave you lost for words and unable to put a measure on your gratitude – and that alone will outweigh all the betrayals.
The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.
Ernest Hemingway
Now, that’s not to say that you shouldn’t isolate from those you know, from evidence of experience, cannot be trusted. As they say, ‘fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me’.
Nonetheless be prepared to take the bad (and there will be plenty of that, just accept it) because the good, when it comes (and it’s equally inevitable) will feel so much sweeter.
Brown Car Guy 
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