Untrustworthy People

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

These days there seems to be so much contention throughout the world on so many important issues. Often we don’t have the time or resources to be able to make reliable judgements as to where the truth is really to be found.

There are, however, certain simple criteria we can apply to determine how trustworthy the people are who are trying to persuade us about an issue. Here are three:

1. To what extent do they display an absolute confidence that they are right? As my teacher used to say, the wise never forget the truth of uncertainty. People who are passionately convinced of things of which they have no direct experience, and are deaf to any counter-arguments, should be treated with caution. Humbly acknowledging the limits and possible errors in one’s own position is a sign of intelligence and integrity.

2. How do they refer to people with whom they disagree? Do they disparage or demonize them? Those who assume that all who oppose them are weak, stupid, brainwashed or else motivated by defilement, are not to be trusted. Dismissing opponents due to an inability to empathise with those of different beliefs and opinions is a serious weakness.

3. Do they try to manipulate your emotions? Do they use words that seek to trigger your desires, fears, anxieties or insecurities for example, or your pride, your prejudices, your pity, your loyalty, in order to bolster their arguments. If so, they are not to be trusted.

Untrustworthy people are not always wrong about important matters, but most times they are.

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"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.

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For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.