Trust, By Marek Kohn
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The hardback of this lucid and illuminating essay on the social virtue we most miss came out before meltdowns of confidence in both the banking and parliamentary systems made it even more urgent. Starting from a child's trip to the shop, and the "thick carpet of trust" in people, laws and technologies that underlies everyday events, Kohn gathers evidence from history and philosophy, biology and game theory.
He accounts for all the benefits of trust – and the steep costs of its absence. With many stimulating cases, from the "live and let live" strategies of First World War troops to the Mafia's impact on Palermo radio taxis, Kohn shows that trust "enhances relations of all kinds" - as its loss damages health. Crucially, he asks if rising choice and diversity erode the easy trust of more "homogeneous" times. Prejudice and poverty also dissolve bonds – but the challenge remains, a stone in the liberal shoe.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments