Trust: Brief Books about Big Ideas

Gert Tinggaard Svendsen explores how to cultivate this elusive feeling—and why developing trust is so important for maintaining a happy, stable, and economically sound society. Without it, societies become more corrupt and legal systems cannot guarantee justice. Why do Nordic countries like Denmark score so highly in trust and happiness levels and so low in levels of corruption—and how can other countries replicate these stats for the good of their people? Higher levels of trust often translate to more cooperation and social responsibility, advantages in economic growth and social stability, and happier workplaces. Tinggard Svendsen's research on trust emphasizes that if we want to build trust, we must minimize control. The fewer resources we expend on surveillance and monitoring, the more resources we can use to improve competition, advance research, and nurture innovation.

In Reflections, a series copublished with Denmark's Aarhus University Press, scholars deliver 60-page reflections on key concepts. These books present unique insights on a wide range of topics that entertain and enlighten readers with exciting discoveries and new perspectives.