Understanding Trust through the lens of Bazi

This image is from the article “Begin with Trust” on HBR, Everything Starts with Trust (hbr.org)

Trust is a fundamental aspect of human relationships and is built on three key pillars: Authenticity, Logic, and Empathy. Each person tends to have one primary driver, often referred to as their "wobble," which can be an area of weakness that affects their ability to build trust. By identifying and addressing this "wobble," individuals can enhance their ability to foster trust quickly and effectively.

As I explored this concept further, I found an intriguing connection to the "Ten Gods" in Bazi.” Let's delve into how these two frameworks align.

Authenticity: Being True Inside and Out

Authenticity is about being consistent and genuine in both your internal and external selves. Authentic individuals are perceived as trustworthy because they present themselves truthfully, whether they are with family, friends, or strangers. They do not wear masks or alter their persona to suit different audiences.

In Bazi, these individuals likely have the same Ten Gods 十神 in both their Heavenly Stems 天干 and Earthly Branches 地支, otherwise known as "Rooted and Revealed，透天通根 " This alignment signifies a strong, consistent character that is visible and reliable. These individuals are deeply committed to showing their true selves, believing in the importance of transparency and honesty. However, they may often feel disheartened by the complexities and inconsistencies in human behavior, wishing others could also be as genuine.

Logic: Clear and Structured Thinking

People who excel in Logic express their thoughts clearly and coherently. They build trust by being rational, providing structured and sensible arguments, and supporting their points with evidence. Logical individuals are systematic in their approach, often breaking down complex problems into manageable parts and addressing each with clear and rational thought. They rely on facts and data to support their arguments, making them dependable sources of information. In relationships, their logical approach means they are consistent and reliable, which helps to build and maintain trust over time. They are also skilled at explaining their thoughts in a way that others can understand, which fosters transparency and openness in communication.

In Bazi, this logical clarity is often reflected in individuals with a strong presence of resource stars, such as Direct Resource or Indirect Resource. These stars represent knowledge, intelligence, and analytical abilities. Logical individuals gain trust through their intellectual competence and dependability, ensuring that their reasoning and decisions are sound and trustworthy.

Empathy: Emotional Connection

Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. Empathetic individuals are naturally able to connect with others on an emotional level, making them trustworthy because they genuinely care about the well-being of those around them. Empathetic people are adept at reading the emotions of those around them, allowing them to respond in ways that are comforting and supportive. They can put themselves in others' shoes, which helps them to build deep and meaningful connections. This emotional intelligence enables them to anticipate the needs and concerns of others, often offering support before it is even asked for. In professional settings, empathetic leaders foster inclusive and supportive environments, where team members feel valued and understood, leading to higher levels of trust and collaboration.

In Bazi, this trait is often seen in those with strong influence from the output stars, such as Eating God or Hurting Officer, which are linked to creativity, expression, and interaction. Empathetic individuals build trust by showing compassion, understanding, and a willingness to support others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the three pillars of trust—Authenticity, Logic, and Empathy—can be seen as modern reflections of the ancient concept of the Ten Gods in Bazi. By understanding and leveraging these drivers, individuals can work on their "wobbles" to build stronger, more trustworthy relationships. Whether it's being true to oneself, thinking logically, or connecting emotionally with others, the wisdom of Bazi provides valuable insights into the dynamics of trust in our lives.