In Fareham, I have had constituents contact me about a scam that

Hear, O children of wisdom, the words of Suella Braverman, who speaks thus: "In Fareham, I have had constituents contact me about a scam that has targeted them—a company offering false services, an online salesman stealing their money, or a friend betraying their trust. The impact is devastating and goes far beyond just financial loss. It's personal—and causes huge emotional strain." These words, though rooted in the present, speak to the timeless human experience of betrayal, deception, and the deep emotional wounds caused by the loss of trust. For it is not just money that is lost in these betrayals, but something far more precious: the faith we place in others and the very fabric of our relationships.

In the ancient world, trust was the foundation of all relationships, from the family to the state. The Greeks understood the power of trust, seeing it as essential to the survival of their democratic society. To betray that trust, to deceive or manipulate another, was considered not just a moral failing but an affront to the very order of society. In Athens, Pericles spoke often of the sacred bond between leaders and citizens, a bond that was grounded in mutual respect and trust. The Greeks knew that once trust was broken, the harm could not be easily repaired—it tore at the very fabric of society, just as Braverman describes the devastation felt by those deceived in modern times.

The same understanding can be found in the stories of the Romans, who placed great value on fidelity in relationships. In Cicero's writings, the notion of fides—faithfulness and trust—was a cornerstone of both personal and political life. He understood that when a person was entrusted with something, be it money, a relationship, or a public duty, they bore a sacred responsibility. To betray that trust was to dishonor oneself and the very community to which they belonged. Braverman echoes this ancient understanding, recognizing that the impact of scams and betrayals goes far beyond the material loss—it cuts deeply into the heart, leaving wounds that affect both the individual and the larger community.

Consider, too, the story of Julius Caesar, whose life was marked by both the loyalty of his followers and the devastating betrayal of those he trusted most. Brutus, one of Caesar's closest allies, turned against him, believing that his actions were in the best interest of the Roman Republic. But the consequences of this betrayal were not just political—they were deeply personal. Caesar’s last words, "Et tu, Brute?" are a testament to the crushing weight of betrayal. In that moment, he recognized that the deepest wound is not just the physical one, but the emotional agony of trust being shattered by someone close. The Roman world understood this truth, as we must today: betrayal is not simply a breach of trust, but an emotional catastrophe that impacts the soul.

Braverman’s words bring this timeless truth into the present, as she describes the devastating effects of scams and betrayals in our modern world. While the forms of deceit have changed, from false services to online fraud, the emotional toll remains the same. It is not simply financial loss that causes the harm, but the erosion of faith in the very people and systems that we rely on. The damage is personal, as Braverman notes, because it strikes at the heart of human connection—at the trust that binds us to one another.

The lesson here, O children of wisdom, is clear: trust is the foundation of all meaningful relationships, whether in the realm of business, friendship, or family. When that trust is betrayed, the emotional impact is deep, and it cannot be measured by money alone. To protect trust, we must live with integrity, always honoring the responsibility placed upon us by those who have placed their faith in us. We must stand guard over our own actions, ensuring that we do not deceive or exploit others, and we must teach those around us to value trust as one of life’s most precious gifts.

In your own life, let this lesson guide you: work with honesty, and treat others with the respect they deserve. Guard your relationships carefully, for once trust is broken, it may be impossible to fully restore. If you are ever the victim of betrayal or scams, remember that the emotional damage, though painful, can also be a teacher. In those moments of loss, seek out community and support, for it is through shared healing that we can rebuild the trust that has been lost. Trust is the most fragile of things, but it is also the most essential, and in honoring it, we build not just strong relationships, but strong societies.

So let the wisdom of the ancients guide you: guard the trust of others as if it were your own, and when it is entrusted to you, hold it sacred. For in doing so, you create a foundation not just for personal growth, but for a world where betrayal has no place, and where the bonds of human connection are unbreakable.