Next to love, trust is the most important attribute anyone can possess. Why? Because if we cannot trust someone, we will not lend him/her money, will not listen to what they have to say about life, love, opportunities, challenges, the good or the bad; what they stand for or against, what the future portends for them, and we will not waste our vote for them to any position of trust. Well, most of us will not, at least most of the time.

And why not? Because they are also liars, cheats, and they steal, while being greedy and selfish. To them, life is all about them. Not you or us. They are the antithesis of all that we honor. Duty, honor, country are not their forte. What is worse, they also want all the good things in life to be laid out for them for their exclusive use. And many are clever enough to fool a lot of people about their intentions and desires most of the time. And so they are also a deceptive bunch. But deep down, they don't give "two hoots in hell" about you or me.

Trust is high above loyalty. In fact, how is it possible to be a loyal adherent to someone you do not and cannot trust? Well, it is actually possible. If they can hire or fire. Or have control over parts of your life. It's the kind the control that they love:  the power to make or to break us like a match stick.

Here are a few scientific studies that tend to confirm both the validity of honesty and trust, and the undesirability of lying, cheating, and stealing.

I once conducted a study about many elements of trust and loyalty. But I also researched some 800 or so studies by others. Honesty and trust were the dominant traits of education levels. Ignorance was high on the list of dishonesty. Apparently when someone lives and learns among others with similar goals, trust becomes a valued attribute.

Cheats and liars also share several commonalities, including a tendency to seek excitement or novelty, a desire for personal gain, and a lack of empathy. They may also exhibit signs of cognitive strain, such as inconsistent details and increased errors in fabricated stories, Additionally, they might use vague language, overly formal speech, and inconsistent narratives to avoid specifics that could easily be disproved. These traits can be indicative of a person's psychological makeup and may influence their behavior in both cheating and lying scenarios.--Parade.

Fortunately, this composite of undesirable traits is easily recognizable in others, despite the fact that those who exhibit them may think of themselve as the salt of the earth.

Remember this: Many can be tricked, cajoled, or flattered into believing that a lying, cheating, untrustworthy person is normal. He/she is not.

Above all, never vote for one.