Trust one who has tried.

"Trust one who has tried." These profound words from the ancient Roman poet Virgil speak to the timeless value of experience in building trust. The meaning is clear: we should place our confidence in those who have proven their abilities through action, those who have lived the struggles and challenges that come with any endeavor. Virgil teaches us that trust is not merely given based on empty promises or lofty ideals, but earned through trials, through the grit of experience. A person who has endured hardship, who has fought in the arena of life and learned from their mistakes, holds a wisdom that surpasses theoretical knowledge. Trust comes not from theory, but from the truth of lived experience.

In the ancient world, trust was a sacred bond, built on personal honor and reputation. The Greeks and Romans understood that one’s word was the foundation of their character. Homer's epic tales, such as The Iliad and The Odyssey, are full of characters whose trustworthiness is tested by their actions. Odysseus, the hero of the latter, is a man who has lived through adversity, and it is precisely because of the hardships he has faced that others are willing to follow him. His trials—the long journey home, the battles with gods and monsters—prove him to be a man of his word, a leader worthy of trust. Virgil’s words echo this sentiment: it is not the one who speaks of greatness but the one who has lived through it, who has proven their mettle, that deserves our faith.

Similarly, in the Roman Republic, the role of the consul—the highest elected office—was entrusted to those who had demonstrated their competence and courage in the military or public service. Cicero, the great orator and statesman, knew the importance of experience when it came to political leadership. He often spoke of the need for leaders to understand the needs of the people, a lesson he learned from his own service. Like Virgil’s message, Cicero believed that trust in leaders was not a gift to be given lightly, but a bond forged through experience, duty, and proven action.

Consider the story of Julius Caesar, whose rise to power was shaped by his military conquests and his deep understanding of Roman politics. Caesar's success in battle, his ability to navigate the intricacies of Roman law, and his understanding of the common soldier’s experience gave him a unique authority. Caesar’s trustworthiness was grounded in the fact that he had lived through hardship—he had fought in the trenches and understood what it meant to lead men in the face of impossible odds. His leadership was not abstract; it was born of experience, which in turn earned him the trust of his soldiers and followers. But Virgil’s warning remains clear: trust given too easily, without consideration for the trials that others have endured, can be misplaced.

In modern times, experience remains the foundation of trust. Think of the mentors in our lives—whether in the workplace, in personal relationships, or in our communities. It is those who have weathered storms, faced challenges, and emerged wiser who are often the ones we turn to for guidance. Their words are grounded in reality, not in idealized notions of what could be, but in what has been. Leaders in every field—from the military to business, from politics to family—must prove themselves worthy of trust through their actions, not simply their promises. The most effective leaders are often those who have tried, who have made mistakes and learned from them, rather than those who offer grand plans but lack the experience to bring them to fruition.

The lesson here is clear: trust is not freely given, but must be earned through the crucible of experience. Virgil's wisdom teaches us that when we place our faith in someone, it should be in those who have tried, who have faced challenges and have overcome them with honor. In our own lives, we must be wary of those who speak with grandiosity but lack the experience to back up their claims. Instead, let us place our trust in those who have demonstrated their wisdom through action, who have proven their integrity through their deeds.

In practical terms, we can apply this lesson by seeking out those with experience when we need guidance. In business, relationships, or personal development, we must surround ourselves with those who have lived through the trials of life, who have fought through adversity, and who can speak from a place of truth. Likewise, we must strive to become individuals worthy of trust by building our own experiences, learning from our failures, and using those lessons to help others. The path to trust is not an easy one, but it is a path worth walking—one that leads to wisdom, honor, and ultimately, a deeper sense of connection with others.