"True & Trusty": The Fabric of Trust
Understanding the Masonic Teachings of 'True and Trusty' and Applying Them in Our Everyday Life
Who would think that an age-old Masonic principle might hold an important lesson for us in the 21st century?
That's a question that led me down a fascinating path, exploring the concept of being "true and trusty." It's an idea embedded deeply in the fabric of Freemasonry, but it also holds relevance for us today in our fast-paced, digital age.
In the context of Freemasonry, being "true and trusty" is a two-fold virtue. Being "true" refers to honesty and integrity, the expectation for the individual to be genuine, upholding the values of Freemasonry. Being "trusty" implies reliability and dependability, a call for the person to be unwavering in their duties, someone on whom the Lodge can count.
True" and "Trusty" are both words that come from Old English, and their pairing in phrases like "true and trusty" likely reflects the close relationship between their meanings in Middle and Early Modern English.
The word "true" originates from the Old English word "tríewe" which means faithful or trustworthy, and is related to the Dutch "trouw" and German "treu". It comes from the Proto-Germanic word "treuwaz," which has the same meaning and is derived from the Proto-Indo-European "drew-o-," meaning firm or solid.
"Trusty" is derived from the Old English word "treowð," which means faith, faithfulness, or assurance. "Trusty" in its current form likely evolved from the term "trustiworthi," a Middle English word that combined "trust" and the Old English suffix "-worthig," meaning worthy. Over time, this likely became shortened to "trusti," and then "trusty," preserving the connotations of trustworthiness and dependability.
In essence, a "true and trusty" Freemason is a beacon of honesty and a rock of reliability. But isn't that a relevant expectation for anyone in our day-to-day lives?
Indeed, we need "true and trusty" people everywhere: in our families, workplaces, and broader communities. And we also expect our products and services to be "true and trusty," meeting our needs and expectations consistently and reliably.
Now, imagine a world where "true and trusty" is disregarded, where leaders are neither honest nor reliable. A chill runs down my spine as I picture such a scenario.
The ripple effects would be catastrophic.
The trust, that delicate bond that holds our relationships, organizations, and systems together, would shatter. Unreliable products would lead to disappointment and frustration, possibly even dangerous situations.
And a lack of integrity in our leaders? That's a painful thought. Decisions swayed by bias, misinformation, or self-interest could lead to widespread harm and injustice.
So, you might wonder why we should pay attention to this seemingly old-fashioned lesson.
Because it directly impacts our lives and society.
When we choose leaders—be it political, organizational, or social—we need them to be "true and trusty." When we purchase a car, we expect it to be reliable and perform as advertised.
The lesson of being "true and trusty" applies to us all, every day, in ways we often don't consciously realise.
But here's the thing: failing to uphold these values comes with hefty consequences.
Picture a leader who lacks integrity, making decisions for personal gain rather than collective welfare. It results in a loss of trust, decreased morale, and poor outcomes. Or consider a car that fails us in a critical situation due to its unreliability. These are not just abstract concepts; they have real-world, negative implications.
The cost of disregarding "true and trusty" is simply too high to ignore.
Now that we understand the gravity of these consequences, it becomes our collective responsibility to ensure that we uphold these values, both in the people we select for important roles and the products we trust. But how can we ensure that someone or something is "true and trusty"?
Here are some practical steps:
Check the Track Record: The past often predicts the future. If you're considering a person for a role, look into their history. Has their conduct been honest and consistent? If it's a product or service, how has it performed over time? Reliability in the past generally points to reliability in the future.
Seek References and Reviews: They say it takes a village to truly know a person. Reach out to previous colleagues, mentors, or anyone who can provide insight into the individual's character. If you're purchasing a product, read reviews or ask friends for their experiences. This can help paint a more complete picture.
Observe and Test: There's nothing like seeing something (or someone) in action. If possible, arrange for a trial period or test run. Observe how the person handles responsibilities or how the product performs. This hands-on experience can be incredibly telling.
Review Qualifications and Specifications: Make sure the individual or product is up to the task. Does the person have the necessary skills and experience? Does the product meet the required standards? This can help ensure the choice you're making is a safe and wise one.
Trust Your Gut: Sometimes, your intuition can be the most powerful tool. If something feels off, even if everything else checks out, it might be worth taking a second look. Your gut feeling could be picking up on subtle cues that aren't immediately visible.
Imagine how our communities, workplaces, and society at large would transform if we consciously applied these steps. We'd have leaders who are honest, products that are reliable, and a world where trust is the bedrock.
As we conclude our journey, I leave you with this: the concept of "true and trusty," though originating from our Masoninc principles, is a timeless lesson.
It's a lesson that transcends cultures, professions, and even centuries.
It's a call to uphold honesty and reliability, not just in Freemasonry but in our everyday lives.
So, let's weave "true and trusty" into the fabric of our lives and societies.
After all, who knew that an age-old Masonic ceremony could reveal such a profound truth? This is the power of "true and trusty." An ancient lesson but one that's never been more relevant.