This quote implies that trust is the fundamental cornerstone of authority and power. It suggests that before one can be given complete authority or overall power, they must first prove themselves to be trustworthy. In essence, trustworthiness is the prerequisite for authority and power. Without trust, authority and power may be misused or abused, leading to negative consequences.

The concept of trust here can be viewed as a form of social contract, where one party entrusts another with power or authority based on the belief that they will act responsibly and in the best interest of the party giving the trust. If this trust is violated, the social contract is broken, leading to a loss of authority and power.

The quote also implies that trust is not something that can be given freely or without thought. It must be earned through actions and behavior that demonstrate reliability, integrity, and competence. In other words, trust is not an entitlement but a privilege that must be earned.

In today’s world, this quote can be applied in various contexts, such as politics, business, and personal relationships. In politics, for example, politicians are given authority and power by the people through the voting process. However, this authority and power are contingent on the politicians proving themselves to be trustworthy, by acting in the best interest of the people and fulfilling their campaign promises.

In business, a manager or CEO is given authority and power over the company and its employees. However, this authority and power can only be effectively exercised if the manager or CEO has earned the trust of the employees, by demonstrating competence, fairness, and respect for the employees’ welfare.

In personal relationships, trust is the bedrock of any healthy and lasting relationship. Whether it’s a friendship, romantic relationship, or family relationship, trust must be earned and maintained for the relationship to thrive. If trust is broken, it can lead to the dissolution of the relationship.

In terms of personal development, this quote emphasizes the importance of building trustworthiness as a key aspect of character development. It suggests that if one wishes to be given authority and power, whether in a professional or personal context, they must first cultivate the qualities that engender trust, such as reliability, integrity, and competence.