Trust is not very easy for me at all. I want to be a trusting

Listen closely, O children of wisdom, to the words of Mariah Carey, who speaks of a truth that resonates with the depths of human experience: "Trust is not very easy for me at all. I want to be a trusting person, but I've been bruised so many times - not to sound woe-is-me about my life." In these words, Carey reveals a painful vulnerability—a conflict within her heart between the desire to open herself to others and the scars of past betrayals that have made trust a difficult virtue to embrace. This tension between desire and fear, between the longing to trust and the pain of past wounds, is a universal struggle. Many of us wish to give our trust freely, but the bruises of life often teach us to guard our hearts.

In the ancient world, the Greeks and Romans explored the nature of trust through their heroes and philosophers. Aristotle, in his writings on ethics, believed that trust was essential to the well-being of any individual or society. He spoke of friendship and loyalty as key components of a fulfilling life, yet he also acknowledged the fragility of trust, recognizing that it could be damaged by actions that betray the bonds between people. In his work Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle emphasizes that trust must be built over time, and that those who are hurt by others may struggle to open themselves up again. The wisdom of Aristotle aligns with Carey’s words: trust is both a virtue and a challenge, particularly for those who have been bruised by the actions of others.

Consider the example of Julius Caesar, whose trust in those closest to him led to both his rise and his ultimate fall. Caesar’s ability to trust his allies helped him build a vast empire, but his trust in Brutus, whom he considered a friend, led to his tragic assassination. "Et tu, Brute?"—the famous words spoken by Caesar in his final moments—speak to the agony of betrayal by someone he trusted. Caesar’s story is a reminder that even the greatest among us can be hurt by betrayal, and that trust, while a powerful force, is often vulnerable to the actions of others. Mariah Carey’s struggle with trust mirrors this ancient wisdom: even those with great achievements and hearts full of good intentions may find it difficult to fully trust when past experiences have left them bruised.

The story of Odysseus also offers a lesson in the complexities of trust. In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus must navigate a world filled with deceit and betrayal, where even those closest to him, like Penelope, must question the loyalty of others. Throughout his long journey, Odysseus learns to trust selectively, weighing the risks of betrayal against the potential rewards of allyship. His cautious approach to trust is shaped by his many trials, where trust is often broken or tested, much like Mariah Carey’s own experiences. Odysseus’ wisdom lies in his ability to discern who is worthy of trust, just as Carey must learn to navigate her relationships in a world that has, at times, left her feeling betrayed.

The Romans, too, recognized the importance of trust and the pain that often accompanies it. Seneca, the Stoic philosopher, wrote about the difficulty of trusting others in a world filled with unpredictability and betrayal. He acknowledged the fragility of the human heart and the importance of building inner strength to guard against the pain of being hurt. In his letters, Seneca encourages his readers to be cautious in whom they trust, but also to cultivate wisdom and resilience in the face of betrayal. He suggests that while we cannot completely shield ourselves from the wounds caused by others, we can control how we respond to them, choosing to grow stronger rather than becoming bitter. Carey’s struggle with trust echoes Seneca’s teachings: the heart may be bruised, but the soul can rise above the pain with resilience and wisdom.

The lesson in Mariah Carey’s words is one of deep emotional wisdom. Trust is a precious gift, but it is not easily given once it has been betrayed. To trust again requires not just a leap of faith, but a healing of the heart and a reconciliation of past wounds. As Aristotle teaches, the path to trust is through patience and discernment, and while we may be bruised by others, we must also remember the power of our own inner strength to rebuild. Trust is not about abandoning caution but about learning to open our hearts again, in the right moments and with the right people.

In your own life, take this wisdom to heart: do not rush to trust, but do not allow the bruises of the past to make you close off entirely. Learn from Socrates, who believed that understanding the heart of another was the key to trust, and from Seneca, who taught that resilience in the face of betrayal is the mark of true strength. Let Carey’s words remind you that trust is both fragile and powerful, and that it must be given carefully, but also renewed when possible. Through discernment and healing, you can find the courage to trust again, building relationships that are stronger and more genuine than ever before.