The Truth About Trust

December 15, 2013
New research on the never-ending debate about trust. "Trust isn't only a concern that emerges at big moments in our lives," writes DeSteno (Psychology/Northeastern Univ.; Out of Character: Surprising Truths About the Liar, Cheat, Sinner (and Saint) Lurking in All of Us, 2013) in his fact-filled analysis of this age-old concept. "[I]ssues of trust permeate our days...and it's often what's below the surface of consciousness that can have the greatest influence on a life well lived." Through extensive research and chronicles of his progressive experiments, the author leads readers on a quest to identify not only what trust really means, but how it informs almost every decision a person makes throughout the day. Issues of morality, loyalty, competence, what's fair and what's not, and how to reliably follow your gut's reaction to a situation are just some of the aspects of this multidimensional behavior DeSteno examines. In concise prose backed by engaging stories, the author addresses the pros and cons of common issues such as trusting a business transaction, using trust in learning situations and the need for trust in personal relationships. DeSteno's studies extend beyond these parameters to consider the trust necessary to launch into social media and other cyber-related connections, where visual cues are not available but where trust is still an important factor in any kind of transaction. The author identifies the nuances of physical nonverbal signs that identify trustworthiness and also explains how an examination of the self can help readers know whether they can even trust themselves to behave with willpower and morality. DeSteno ends with six powerful and easy-to-remember rules regarding trust with the hope that the overall effect will be for the greater good of all. Fresh insight into a necessary part of everyday life.

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