Trust: Building on the Cultural Commons. Pascal Gielen

The book “Trust. Building a Cultural Common” emphasizes the key role of the cultural common: the experience of living together and its customs, practices, knowledge and values. After all, trust is a matter of culture, emotions and even aesthetics. Broad trust begins with the exchange of vulnerabilities, and Pascal Gielen is convinced that the common provides the necessary space for this. Space for breathing and experimentation. How can all this contribute to the development of society and politics?

The author raises such questions as how to overcome a culture of distrust? Society is increasingly suspicious of fellow citizens, authorities and businesses, which is explained by the shifting of responsibility and a sense of powerlessness. We look for solutions in regulations, contracts and procedures, guarantees, audits and consultations, as well as in good governance and transparency. But does this really help to strengthen trust? Isn’t trust always somewhat blind?