Trust, But Verify

Nikolai Ge’s 1872 painting of Peter the Great Interrogating his son Tsarevich Alexei Petrovich

Trust is the foundation of every functioning relationship—family, work, community, and nation. Its erosion sits at the root of many personal and societal ills.

From presidents who lie about their mental acuity to those who enrich themselves at our expense, from pedophile priests and Boy Scout leaders to corrupt CEOs and financial advisors, it often feels as though we remain trapped in the law of the jungle.

In 1964, 77% of Americans trusted the government to do the right thing; today, that number is just 22%. In 1970, more than 70% of Americans trusted the media; today, only 31% do.

When facing danger or betrayal, our reptilian brain floods the body with adrenaline. But when lies and threats become routine, we live in a constant state of fight or flight, which can make us physically ill. To survive, we need a small trusted circle of friends and family, and a safe space, traditionally embodied by family and home.

Yet blind trust can be just as fatal as no trust at all. President Ronald Reagan’s Cold War mantra, “Trust, but verify,” suggests that trust must be nurtured and verified if the center is to hold. This could be as simple as regularly checking in with our inner circle to ensure that bonds remain intact.

When trust is broken, Nietzsche’s wisdom remains sharp: “I’m not upset that you lied to me; I’m upset that from now on I can’t believe you.”

City Club is a Securus Locus—a shelter from the storm. Built on trust, members can say what they mean and mean what they say.

— Sina.