On Trust and Truth

I had occasion a short while ago to enter into a discussion on harmony and its importance within a group. My adversary was of the opinion that it was paramount; that no assembly could endure without it. Certainly harmony smooths the path for any organization pursuing its purpose. And certainly it produces an atmosphere conducive to success. But is it paramount?

There are many elements essential to the efficacious existence of any association, no matter it be large or modest. However the one that I have found that will inexorably lead to the demise of any group if not extant is trust. And in order to sustain trust is truth. The two must go hand in hand. One cannot be without the other.

As with many aspects of life, there is a caveat attached to trust and it is a portentous one indeed. Many of us have heard that we must earn trust, it is not a given. True. But those who listen on will catch that once lost, trust can rarely be recovered. Also true. Once those around you no longer have confidence in your veracity they will not long be around you. You will be in the company of fools and the ignorant and that, you will find, is a lonely, lonely place.

Harmony is good and nice and comfortable. But life is not always good or nice or comfortable, particularly if we have responsibilities we are charged to achieve. A friend once told me that harmony is what we use to sweep the dirt under the carpet. Thank you friend.

A man wiser than I once said that all great advances in human endeavor were the product of those not satisfied with the status quo, those we might tag malcontents. I have found that to be so. A little healthy skepticism can go a long way.

So heed the last piece of advice Polonius gave to Laertes, “This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” Methinks he saved the best for last.

Lastly, it strikes me that that I have mentioned listening several times. Could it be that he who listens more often may speak more wisely when he does? Who knows?

May your God go with you,

Slainte!