Trust in Others is Worthwhile: Causes and Consequences of Trust at the Individual Level

As various studies show, higher interpersonal trust ensures, among other things, for more cooperation, more prosperity, more life satisfaction, and better health. Determinants of interpersonal trust are only to a small extent personality traits. Education and cultural influences are more important. Recommendations for action to strengthen interpersonal trust are therefore aimed at the classic areas of (early childhood) education and labor market policy, which also increase trust in fellow human beings. Inclusion also counteracts distrust and cynicism.

This applies dealing with diversity as well as designing inclusive growth. A general recommendation - which is empirically proven here - probably comes from the 6th century BC and from Laotse: "If you don't trust, you won't be trusted." The report encourages – fact-based – to trust more.