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Trust

Trust is such an important concept in this world. I adhere to the belief that all humans are born good, and compound that with my innate optimism for things, I am naturally inclined to give people my trust. That's not to say I blindly trust others, but I generally do not think others mean to do me harm. Still I sympathize with those who have given their deepest trust to another and then suffered a betrayal. It's often very hard to be able to give trust so quickly or easily after such events---perhaps only time and love from family and friends can mend the wound. I think an important part of my Asian upbringing, from reading the ancient philosophies of Confucius, Mencius and other non-Confucian thinkers really helped to shape how I think today. There are five important characters that all should really try to ponder upon and perhaps live by---loyalty, trust, honor, truth, and love (the characters I've written below). I think often times the Western education, particularly in a Capitalist society where "man eats man," doesn't stress these simple principles of life enough, and this is a root for a lot of the dysfunction, heartbreak, backstabbing seen in society today.

Why so contemplative tonight? I am always thus! Don't worry it's nothing to do with me, but there are several things I've heard recently, some which I won't mention here, but one obvious thing is how the US government is conducting itself with the public. We can't trust our leaders in Washington and this is really a huge problem. I don't know if even electing a different party will necessarily change things dramatically. What I do know is we as the people need to make those who mislead us accountable.

Anyways, the picture underneath the characters is one I took during the hike mentioned in the last post. I really like the interplay of colors!



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