TRUSTWORTHINESS

Ann Hallock, former Prof. of behavioural medicine, Michigan State University, USA

One of the signs of the breakdown of society in all parts of the world is the erosion of trust and collaboration between the individual and the institutions of governance.  In many nations the electoral process has become discredited because of endemic corruption.  Contributing to the widening distrust of such vital processes are the influences on the outcome from vested interests that have access to lavish funds, the restrictions on the freedom of choice inherent in the party system, and the distortion in public perception of the candidates by the bias expressed in the media.  Apathy, alienation, and disillusionment are a consequence, too, as is a growing sense of despair of the unlikelihood that the most capable citizens will emerge to deal with the manifold problems of a defective social order.  Evident everywhere is a yearning for institutions which will dispense justice, dispel oppression, and foster an enduring unity between disparate elements of society.

The moral concept of trustworthiness is as the foundation of all virtues and perfections. Conversely, if the damage of all vices were added together and placed on a balance, the damage done by the evil of telling lies and dealing treacherously would outweigh all good and the detriments would prove greater, also.  In the past language was used to describe the world as accurately as possible; currently language is used most often to distort and alter reality to the extent people can no longer trust what they hear.

Trustworthiness goes hand in hand with helping to preserve the dignity of individuals and nations.  A man or a nation deprived of trustworthiness is destitute of everything.

Sincerity and goodwill among men is fostered by trustworthiness and could become the cause of peace, security and tranquility which, inevitably, is what all peoples deeply yearn for.  Trustworthiness is the supreme instrument for the prosperity of the world; and, in truth, the stability of every interaction depends on it.

Those whose concern is to serve the common good, not to advance their own interests, and whose aim is to further the welfare of the people become models for all societies, and people may be edified and enlightened by their example. Of central importance to this trust is the wholeness and integrity of each human consciousness. 

Extrapolating from this knowledge of individual trustworthiness to finding trust in the governance of nations and institutions leaves one somewhat staggered.  And yet, given that we continue to envision hope, we may take courage and forge on towards a more reasoned future working with the rudiments of our positive structural quests towards unity, equity, justice and peace.  Of course, we do know there can be no peace without justice and no justice without equity and no unity without all the aforementioned.

Indeed, the world already has made a valiant attempt to bring all countries together in the cause of peace when the League of Nations was established in 1919 and continued until the United Nations was established in 1946 and took over the responsibility.  Now every nation and territory (with exception of the Vatican City) is a member.  There are many stumbling blocks to bringing a trustful unity to the United Nations but, as far as the concept of trust goes, establishing a place for bringing Nations together is a first step towards establishing a rudimentary global unity.

Countries with established ideologies encompassing liberty, universal education and freedom of speech, even if these values are not always reached in the ideal, could be amazing models for global transformation, especially now with such high numbers of immigrants from all countries in the world to help bridge cultural differences, and with the means stemming from the creative success these countries have enjoyed.  However, the corruptions of materialism and selfishness coupled with tyrannical greed and fear are violating the very principles these countries have been organized to avoid.  These inclinations need to be vigorously addressed with standards and regulations.

The task of reining in the corruptions and the concomitant loss of trust that is destroying our world will need to be urgently addressed.  The corruptions of materialism, selfishness and greed need to be contained and legislated and enforced and condemned and made repugnant.  Until there is some agreement on addressing these corruptions, no doubt, the continued misuse of trust will be with us.

Copyright 2006 - Journal of Globalization for the Common Good - www.commongoodjournal.com