As trust in institutions erodes, the basic assumptions of

"As trust in institutions erodes, the basic assumptions of fairness, shared values, and equal opportunity traditionally upheld by 'the system' are no longer taken for granted." These words, spoken by Richard Edelman, cut to the heart of a truth that reverberates throughout history. Trust, that fragile thread that binds societies together, is the very foundation upon which civilizations are built. When trust in institutions—the pillars of society that uphold justice, fairness, and shared values—begins to erode, it creates a void that threatens to unravel the very fabric of society itself. Edelman’s reflection speaks to the peril of a world in which these fundamental assumptions no longer hold sway, and the system begins to lose its credibility, leaving a fractured world in its wake.

In the ancient world, trust was the cornerstone of societal stability. The Greeks and Romans built their great empires not just on power and conquest, but on the shared trust between the governed and their rulers. The concept of justice was sacred to them, not just a law to be followed, but a moral imperative that kept the peace. Plato and Aristotle spoke of the polis, the city-state, as a place where individuals must trust the institutions that governed them for society to thrive. To govern was not simply to rule, but to ensure the fairness and equity of the law. Without trust in these institutions, there could be no peace or order, and the city-state would fall into chaos.

The ancient Romans understood this too. The Republic thrived because the people believed in the integrity of its institutions, such as the Senate and the judicial system, which upheld the rights of citizens. However, when corruption and self-interest began to infiltrate these institutions, the trust of the people eroded. The rise of Julius Caesar and his eventual shift from Republicanism to dictatorship marked the collapse of a system in which shared values and equal opportunity were no longer upheld. Trust in the system had decayed, and the result was the destruction of the Republic. The Roman Empire that followed, though powerful, was built on an unequal foundation—one that was no longer based on the trust of the people but on the might of the emperor. In this, we see how the erosion of trust in institutions leads not just to political instability but to the death of an entire system of values.

In modern times, Edelman’s words resonate with the rising global discontent and disillusionment with institutions. We live in an era where people are increasingly skeptical of government, business, and even media institutions. When the trust that once bound citizens to their leaders and systems begins to fray, the values that those systems upheld—fairness, equality, and justice—become mere shadows of what they once were. This erosion is not just an abstract phenomenon but a very real shift in the way people relate to the system. Consider the civil rights movements of the 20th century. In the United States, for example, the struggle for racial equality was born from the deep distrust of institutions that were supposed to protect all citizens equally but systematically excluded entire groups of people. It was only through change—through the people demanding that their voices be heard and their rights recognized—that trust could begin to be restored in some areas of society.

The lesson here is stark and urgent: when trust in institutions erodes, the pillars of society weaken. Shared values, fairness, and equal opportunity are no longer taken for granted but become fragile ideals that require constant effort to uphold. Trust is not a static, unchangeable force; it must be nurtured and protected. It is the glue that binds a society together, and without it, the very structure of that society can collapse. We must ask ourselves: how can we ensure that trust is preserved in our own institutions, whether they be in our communities, our governments, or our workplaces?

This lesson is not only for leaders but for citizens as well. Every person has a role to play in the health of the system. Just as the ancient Greeks and Romans saw citizenship as a sacred duty, so too must we recognize that we have a part to play in fostering trust. Active participation in civic duties, holding leaders accountable, and working toward justice and fairness are all ways to rebuild the trust that has been lost. Trust is not something that can be demanded—it must be earned, and it must be protected by every individual who believes in the common good. Fairness and justice are not mere ideals but practices that require the constant work of all who are part of a community.

Thus, the challenge is clear: as the trust in institutions erodes, it is up to us to rebuild it. We must stand together in the defense of shared values, ensuring that fairness and equal opportunity are not just words, but the very bedrock of our society. Like the ancients, we must recognize that the health of our world is interwoven with the strength of our institutions. When trust falters, so too does the world around us. Let us honor the legacy of the past by ensuring that the trust in our institutions is never taken for granted, but constantly renewed, safeguarded, and passed on to future generations. The system is only as strong as the trust that holds it together.