The chief lesson I have learned in a long life is that the only way you can make a man trustworthy is to trust him and the surest way to make him untrustworthy is to distrust him.

Meaning

This quote articulates a concise principle related to wisdom. It hints that wisdom grows through experience and reminds us that understanding takes time.

Theme

As a foundational human concern, wisdom appears in many sayings. It matters because people seek clarity and insight, and this quote reminds us that listening brings understanding.

About the Author

Many popular reflections are credited to Henry L. Stimson, including this one. Their words often comment on themes like wisdom.

Style and Structure

The phrasing is minimalistic, using contrast to focus attention on the core idea.

FAQ

What is the message?
wisdom grows through experience.

Why is it shared?
It captures a universal truth about wisdom.

What can we learn?
we learn from our experiences is an important part of daily life.