7/23/19

I am a convict. I prefer to get that out, straight away. I’ve accomplished a few things, sure. I’ve published, run companies, worked as a salary man, and even took a few turns at being a carny. But first and foremost, I need you to know that I am a convict.

Since a young age, the thought of being distrusted has frightened me. I’ve seen how quickly an old foundation of trust can be whipped away by a careless misstep. No one taught me the rules, so I worked at it backwards. I did my best not to lie or to conveniently leave out details. The reasoning seemed sound. If I could consistently demonstrate that I was honestly, forthcoming, and helpful, then obviously such qualities would be noticed and appreciated. It sounds nice, in concept. All of it could have been set straight if someone, anyone, had simply explained that trust between people has no connection to honesty.

I didn’t learn that lesson until after I was a convict. See, the real trick to trust is being liked. If you like someone, it doesn’t matter how insane their claims are. Trust, it seems, is built on attraction, obligation, and desire.