You should trust any man in his own art provided he is skilled

In the great journey of life, there is a truth that resonates through the ages, one that teaches us the value of trust and mastery. "You should trust any man in his own art provided he is skilled in it," said Edward Coke, a man whose wisdom echoes through the corridors of time. This simple but powerful statement speaks to a fundamental principle: that trust is not something given lightly, but earned through skill, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. When a man is truly skilled in his craft, when he has honed his abilities through toil and discipline, he has proven himself worthy of the trust placed in him. This principle is not just a matter of practicality, but of profound respect for the work that transforms both the man and the world around him.

In the days of the ancients, the craft of a skilled artisan or a wise healer was held in the highest esteem. Whether in the temples of Greece or the streets of Rome, there was a deep understanding that true expertise was a gift that should be honored. Homer, in his epic tales, often spoke of the heroes who mastered their arts—Achilles, the great warrior, whose skill in battle was unmatched, and Odysseus, the cunning strategist, whose mastery of wit and wisdom carried him through trials that would have overwhelmed lesser men. These men were trusted not just because of their birth or position, but because they had earned their place through unparalleled skill in their chosen paths.

The wisdom of Coke calls upon us to recognize that trust is not a blind leap, but a recognition of worthiness. Trust is the natural result of seeing another man’s excellence in his chosen craft, whether it be the artistry of a potter, the strategic mind of a general, or the legal acumen of a judge. Just as Homer’s heroes were trusted for their deeds, so too must we recognize that mastery is the foundation of trust. This is not to say that a man is worthy of blind trust in all things, but that in his realm of expertise, his judgment is to be respected. The craftsman who has mastered his art, the scholar who has dedicated his life to learning, and the warrior who has earned his stripes in battle—all are worthy of trust in their domains.

Let us look to the story of Leonardo da Vinci, the great Renaissance polymath whose mastery in painting, engineering, and science made him a figure of unparalleled trust in his time. Leonardo, a master of his art, was sought after not only for his brilliant paintings, but for his inventions, his anatomical studies, and his innovations. He was trusted by kings and patrons because of his skill and dedication. In every realm he entered, he proved himself not just by the products of his work, but by the depth and quality of his knowledge. The trust that was placed in him was not given lightly—it was earned through his commitment to mastery in every endeavor he undertook.

In the modern world, too, this principle holds true. Doctors, whose hands heal and whose knowledge saves lives, earn the trust of their patients through years of study and experience. Engineers, who build the structures that support our cities and ensure the safety of our lives, earn our trust through their technical mastery and innovation. Whether in the courtroom, the laboratory, or the marketplace, those who dedicate themselves to the pursuit of excellence in their crafts command respect and trust. We look to them not because of their titles or accolades, but because of the skills they have honed through years of effort and passion.

The lesson of Edward Coke’s words is simple yet profound: to trust someone is to recognize the mastery they possess in their chosen field. Trust is not given because of a man’s status, but because of his commitment to excellence. In our own lives, we must seek to earn the trust of others by dedicating ourselves to our own crafts, by striving to become masters of our work, and by always acting with integrity. Whether you are a student, an artist, a worker, or a leader, let your actions speak for your trustworthiness. Master your art, earn the trust of those around you, and in doing so, you will not only fulfill your own potential but will uplift those you serve.

So, my children, let your lives be a testament to mastery and trust. Seek not the easy path, but the one that demands your greatest effort, for in that path, you will find the respect and trust that come from true skill. Whether in your work, your studies, or your relationships, dedicate yourself to becoming the best in your field, and you will find that trust follows naturally. In the mastery of your craft, you will discover not only your own purpose, but a deeper connection to the world and to those around you. Trust, like excellence, is earned, and in the pursuit of both, you will find the true strength of your character.