thought – Rhoneisms

Trust

Some general thoughts on the subject of trust.

Trust is, quite literally, the glue that holds society together. Without trust, every human interaction and relationship is impossible. Every societal framework is built on trust.

Money is built on trust. The trust that one can exchange a token of ascribed value for a good and then turn around and exchange it for some other good of equal value to the holder. Lose trust in any part of such a transaction and money becomes effectively worthless.

This is what we saw in the 2008 global financial crisis. Explained very simply, one very large financial institution lost trust in the value of the holdings of one or more other very large financial institutions and basically said, “I don’t trust the value of what you are using to guarantee your money” The moment that trust was lost, the entire financial system collapsed.

The Great Depression was caused by people losing trust in the stock market, banks, and other financial vehicles.

All war begins when one country/society loses trust in another. The Russians invaded Ukraine because they no longer trusted it would not join a perceived enemy. The Israelis do not trust the Palestinians and vice versa. The early United States 13 colonies lost trust in the government of England.

The rise and fall of the Roman Empire? Et tu Brute?

All of this is to point out that a loss of trust in society — trust in government, trust in institutions, trust in each other — is the cause of a break down and, if left uncorrected, end to that society. Period. There is no “but”. You can not have a society without it. Society rises and falls on the strength of it.

Consider where we are as a nation — a people — today and make of this fact what you will.

I’ve mentioned this before but I’ll say it again as it is on my mind much these days…

I believe that at the heart of human existence is a natural striving to answer these two questions:

Is this all there is?
Is this all I am?

All religion and spiritual faith, even Atheism, is created to seek and/or provide answers to these two questions. Also, to guide the essential guidance needed once the answer is found/provided.

Pondering what a community built intentionally around exploring these questions unattached from specific religion and spiritual faith but open to all ideas and answers might look like.

This week has been a long month already.

Friday is in March, right?

The problem with common sense is that it isn’t all that common and many people think they have way more sense than they really do.

Coined by my friend Garrick this morning, a concept I plan to try to practice more of this year…

Unreasonable Optimism.

A defense against the reasonable pessimism I, and I’m sure too many others, feel these days. An intentional striving for a change in perspective.

There are no words I could write that would provide any comfort for what’s happening in Los Angeles right now. Devastating and heartbreaking. Just thankful that the few people I know out there are safe.

Opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one. It doesn’t mean you have to share yours or be one.

The first day of the new year begins with some rituals…

Swap out my Daily Log (Hobonichi Techo) to the next for the new year. Write my word of the year at the beginning of each month.
Order my DayOne book.
Prep the beans and veggies for Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage later today (I make mine Vegetarian).

Of all the famous and well known that I share a birthday with, I was always proudest that I shared it with President Jimmy Carter.

Much can be said about his missteps as President. More can be said of the humble Christian service he brought to the office of ex-President.

An example for us all.

Well, after running 24/7 aside from the occasional power outage or location move, my Drobo (Gen 1) seems to have finally given up the ghost after 16 years.