Maybe I’m naive to think that the people I meet are sincere. Oh, I expect the salesperson has studied techniques to convince me I want to buy. I know better than to accept a political attack ad at face value. I imagine the criminal’s tears of regret might sometimes be more a regret that he got caught than because he hurt his victim.
But it couldn’t hurt to believe the salesperson really thinks I could use her product. It’s possible, even probable, that there’s an element of truth buried somewhere in the attack ad. And often a person does not want or intend to commit a crime but sees no other way.
It feels healthier to offer the benefit of a doubt.
I trust people until they give me a reason not to trust them. And you know? I have to say I still trust almost everyone I’ve ever known.
