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About this quote

What does it mean?
Trusting others' virtue reflects your own moral character, and such trust is seen favorably.
In plain terms
Assuming people are good shows you are good yourself.
What can you take from it?
Trust others to reflect your own virtue.

Where it applies

  • leadership
  • friendship
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • build trust
  • assess character
  • lead by example

Questions to consider

  • Do you assume the best in others?
  • What does your trust say about you?

Another view

Blind trust can sometimes lead to exploitation if not balanced with discernment.

More from Michel de Montaigne

  1. An untempted woman cannot boast of her chastity.

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  2. Ambition is not a vice of little people.

    Permalink to quote #55
  3. Courtesy is a science of the highest importance. It is, like grace and beauty in the body, which charm at first sight, and lead on to further intimacy and frie…

    Permalink to quote #59

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