I have to like people. I have to have trust in them; I have to

In the words of Touker Suleyman, "I have to like people. I have to have trust in them; I have to see they've got the passion for what they're doing. Then I will invest and give them 'Touker Time.'" These words carry with them a deep truth about the nature of human connection, the value of trust, and the power of passion in building successful relationships. Suleyman speaks not just as a businessman, but as a man who understands the importance of humanity in the world of commerce. To invest in others, to offer them resources, or even just time, requires something more than a mere calculation of profit and loss; it requires a genuine connection, a sense that the individual or endeavor is driven by something deeper than just the desire for financial gain.

The ancient world also recognized the importance of trust and passion in successful partnerships. Aristotle, in his writings on ethics, spoke of philia, or brotherly love, as a crucial component in the formation of lasting bonds—whether in friendship, business, or politics. In his view, people are most likely to succeed when they are driven by a shared sense of purpose and when their relationships are built on a foundation of trust. Just as Aristotle knew that trust between individuals is the cornerstone of any meaningful connection, Suleyman’s words reflect a timeless truth: the most fruitful ventures are those born of mutual respect and a shared commitment to a common goal. Suleyman echoes this ancient philosophy by emphasizing that only when he sees passion in others will he be moved to invest in them, for passion is the fire that sustains any great endeavor.

Consider the story of Steve Jobs, whose ability to spot and invest in talented people with a shared vision changed the world. Jobs was not simply drawn to business ideas based on their profitability, but by the passion and vision behind them. He famously said, "The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do." His belief in the power of passion, trust, and human connection led to the creation of one of the most innovative companies in history—Apple. Jobs understood that a business’s success is not merely based on its products but on the people behind those products, their vision, and the trust that exists between them. This aligns perfectly with Suleyman’s philosophy: success is not simply about the business—it is about the people and their passion, trust, and dedication to something larger than themselves.

The ancient Romans, too, understood the power of trust and shared vision. Cicero, the famous orator and statesman, believed that the strength of the Roman Republic lay not in its military might alone, but in the trust and cooperation between its citizens. For Cicero, success came from the ability to foster relationships built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common purpose. When it came to leadership, Cicero stressed that a true leader does not rule through fear or coercion, but by earning the trust of the people and showing them that they shared a collective vision for the future. Suleyman’s belief that trust and passion are necessary to make an investment is a modern reflection of this ancient wisdom, showing that successful endeavors—whether in government, business, or community—are based on human connection and shared values.

Suleyman’s words also remind us of the deeper emotional and spiritual dimensions of investing in others. To like people, as he puts it, is not a trivial matter; it speaks to the empathy and understanding that are needed to build authentic relationships. In an age where transactions often dominate and the pursuit of profit can seem to overshadow everything else, Suleyman’s philosophy is a reminder that genuine human connection and trust are still the most valuable currencies in the world. When we invest in others, whether through time, resources, or guidance, we must first ask ourselves: do we truly believe in the people we are supporting? Do they have the passion and the vision to succeed? If so, our investment is not just a business transaction; it becomes an act of faith, grounded in the belief that the success of the individual is inextricably linked to the success of the larger community.

The lesson we can take from Suleyman’s words is that, in all our dealings with others—whether in business, relationships, or community involvement—we must first seek to connect with those around us on a human level. Success is not found in the number of transactions we make, but in the depth of relationships we build. We must not only look for those who share our passion but those who are worthy of our trust—and in doing so, we cultivate a network of mutual respect and support that propels us all toward success.

In practical terms, this means that we should be selective in who we choose to invest our time, energy, and resources. Whether it’s in the workplace, in friendships, or in community projects, we must look for those who share our vision, who show a passion for what they do, and who have the integrity to earn our trust. Let us seek to build meaningful relationships with others, recognizing that the most valuable investments are not in things or titles, but in the people who will work alongside us to build something of lasting value. By giving “Touker Time”—our time, trust, and belief—we create a foundation for collaboration, success, and growth that transcends the fleeting nature of modern business and touches upon the timeless principles of human connection.