"Trust" is an attitude toward life that aligns with the cosmic order of love and cooperation, completely entrusting oneself to the miracle of one's own existence and inner spontaneity.
1963-1964 · The Early Sessions: Book 1 of The Seth MaterialAI summary (single book)
In specific chapters of The Early Sessions Book 1, Seth's discussion of the concept of "trust" focuses mainly on the medium of information transmission, the limitations of communication on the physical plane, and reliance on the inner translation mechanism. First, Seth clarifies the significant differences in his degree of trust toward different communication media. He points out that he has "never trusted the written word as completely as I trust the spoken word" . In Seth's view, transforming himself into monotonous black-and-white words on paper seems dull and uninteresting, whereas spoken language contains the pleasantness of sound, the rise and fall of intonation, and the liveliness of dialogue . For example, he is able to convey a lively, slightly ironic tone through Ruburt's voice, something that a mere written record cannot present . Therefore, oral communication, as the most active social art, makes it easier for him to express himself naturally . Second, Seth points out the general predicament of "trust" on the human physical plane. He states bluntly: "On your plane, neither of these (spoken and written language) is easily trusted" . This reflects the distortion of truth and inner information by the camouflage system of the physical plane, so that any superficial communication medium suffers from a trust deficit. Based on this consideration of the trustworthiness of media, Seth expresses different attitudes toward different channeling or communication methods. He does not fully trust "automatic writing" . He believes that automatic writing tends to become a rigid system and is often one-way, limiting his self-expression . On the contrary, he trusts and prefers communication through Ruburt's oral transmission, because this method not only preserves the pleasure of sound, but also stimulates other content he wishes to say through immediate question-and-answer, making communication a two-way, living dialogue . Finally, although language on the physical plane is difficult to trust completely, Seth expresses a high degree of trust and affirmation toward the inner "automatic translation" mechanism of Ruburt and Joseph. He points out that because Ruburt is skilled with words, he can automatically translate the inner material provided by Seth into coherent, effective, and faithful camouflage patterns (that is, words) ; while Joseph can automatically translate inner vision into new camouflage patterns (that is, paintings) . This trust in the inner spontaneous translation ability constitutes the cornerstone of their ability to communicate effectively across planes.
1964-1965 · The Early Sessions: Book 3 of The Seth MaterialAI summary (single book)
In The Early Sessions Book 3, Seth's discussion of the concept of "trust" centers mainly on the progress of channeling communication, entrustment to intuition, and how to overcome fear and rigidity.
First, Seth emphasizes that a "feeling of trust" is the decisive foundation for their subsequent progress. In the process of transmitting material across different fields and numerous obstacles, a certain distortion on the physical plane is an inevitable natural result, and this is not a personal failure of Ruburt, Seth, or Joseph. Seth points out that as long as their attempts are completely honest and frank, the distortion of information is no more shameful than misreading a letter in daily life. However, for this communication to continue deepening, the participants must establish a "feeling of trust." If this trust is lacking, the fear of distortion or error will become a stumbling block hindering their progress. Seth even specifically emphasizes that this passage on trust and overcoming fear is extremely important and worth pondering repeatedly .
Second, trust is closely related to "spontaneity" and "freedom," and it exists in the depths of the subconscious. Seth points out that although they need to maintain the overall course schedule, they must never fall into rigidity, but should pursue spontaneity and freedom realized within discipline. The reason Ruburt does not feel anxious or troubled when missing a certain session, unlike Joseph, is precisely because at the subconscious and fundamental level (though perhaps not at the conscious level) he deeply trusts his own intuition and the validity of these sessions. This subconscious trust in inner intuition and the validity of the sessions enables him to remain free from the constraints of rigid rules, not allowing the noisy parts of the personality to interfere with the schedule, thereby maintaining openness and spontaneity of the psyche .
Finally, Seth contrasts the different manifestations of Ruburt and Joseph in "trusting intuition" and their impact on communication. Although Joseph also trusts his intuition during the sessions, due to his personally gentle disposition and childhood fear of his parents' primitive emotions, he is more prone to obsession with regularity and builds more defenses. Joseph's critical consciousness more readily obstructs Seth's free expression than Ruburt's does. This indicates that the degree of trust in one's own intuition and one's psychological defense mechanisms directly affect the degree to which an individual entrusts himself to inner spontaneity .
In summary, at this stage, Seth interprets "trust" as a fundamental entrustment to inner intuition, the validity of the sessions, and the communication process itself. It is not only a remedy for overcoming fear and reducing communication obstacles, but also the necessary path to psychic spontaneity and freedom.
1965 · The Early Sessions: Book 4 of The Seth MaterialAI summary (single book)
In The Early Sessions Book 4, Seth elaborates on the concept of "trust" in the context of the scientific investigation conducted in cooperation with Dr. Instream. At this particular early stage of cooperation, Seth does not abstract trust into a grand philosophical doctrine, but treats it as an extremely concrete, pragmatic, and indispensable psychological and cooperative cornerstone. First, Seth emphasizes that "an atmosphere of trust, mutual trust" is essential for undertaking any cooperation . He explicitly states that he has not set any unreasonable or impossible conditions, but that "trust" and "spontaneity" are two extremely important factors. Seth explains that he is not imposing these factors as deliberate "conditions" on the other party, but stating a simple fact: without an atmosphere of mutual trust and spontaneity, cooperation can hardly achieve anything . Second, trust is closely connected with "spontaneity" and "integrity," together constituting the necessary factors for successful cooperation. Seth reiterates that the terms he requires are not difficult demands, but merely the requirement that spontaneity, trust, and integrity be taken as necessary factors in their joint efforts [chunk:5688, 5689]. This definition of trust focuses on the psychological candor and rapport between the cooperating parties. Third, the establishment of trust is directly related to the inner confidence and psychological state of the medium (Ruburt). Seth points out that the main problem at that time was actually "Ruburt's own confidence, or lack of confidence" . In order to resolve this inner lack of trust, Seth suggests promoting mutual understanding through informal meetings, thereby helping Ruburt feel at ease, and emphasizes that it is crucial not to make him feel pressured [chunk:5688, 5689]. This indicates that, in Seth's view, trust does not arise out of thin air; it needs to be gradually cultivated through friendly communication, the removal of pressure, and the establishment of a sense of security. Finally, Seth clarifies the relationship between "trust" and "proof." From Seth's own perspective, proof is not necessary, but he fully understands and appreciates that from the researcher's (human) perspective proof is necessary . Nevertheless, this need for proof should not undermine mutual trust and spontaneity. Seth is willing to cooperate while maintaining integrity, and hopes to reach mutual understanding through candid, friendly discussion, thereby laying the foundation for the establishment of trust [chunk:5688, 5689]. In summary, at this stage of The Early Sessions Book 4, Seth's discussion of "trust" is highly focused on the practical level of interpersonal cooperation and channeling practice. Trust is defined as an indispensable psychological climate alongside spontaneity and integrity; it concerns the inner confidence of the medium, needs to be nurtured by reducing pressure and increasing understanding, and is a decisive fact that transcends mere "proof" and determines the success or failure of cooperation.
Mike's commentary (Chinese)Mike's commentary
The Way Toward Health · Chapter 101 related passage in this chapter
In Seth's philosophy, "trust" is not a blind optimism or moralizing, but the foundation of individual existence, a fundamental belief in and commitment to life, the universe, and one's own inner spontaneity. The core of trust lies in "trusting the miracle of your own existence"; it requires the individual to refuse blind obedience to external authority and instead listen to the inner voice. On an operational level, trust means letting go of compulsive control, allowing the natural operation of the inner order, and completely "letting go" and "surrendering" to the energy of one's own life. This surrender is not a passive compromise, but an alignment with the great power that gave birth to the universe and the individual, and it is the first step toward physical and mental health.
II. Key Expositions
1. The Foundation of Existence and Entrusting to Spontaneity
Seth points out that trust is the most practical point of life. When facing life's difficulties, the ideal state is not to fight negativity through compulsive exercises, but to "simply trust". This trust is specifically manifested in "allowing, permitting, letting" oneself think naturally, thereby releasing the natural operation of the inner order. The individual must trust their own spontaneity, because spontaneity carries its own supporting power and possesses its own natural rhythm and purifying effect. Only when trusting one's own inner spontaneity is the individual truly safe and free.
2. The Body's Self-Healing Instinct and Biological Optimism
On a biological level, trust manifests as "biological optimism," which is a trust in its own validity naturally built into every species at birth. Humanity's innate "great overall inner trust" forms the reliable foundation of the physical earth as a whole. This confidence automatically directs the physical body to perform appropriate physiological functions. When facing illness, establishing trust in the body's self-healing capacity and experiencing connection with the universe and nature can release the body's innate healing power. Conversely, distrusting the innate healing instinct leads the individual to project healing abilities outward onto external forces such as doctors or medicine, thereby dulling the body's innate healing power.
3. Impulses, Change, and the Creation of Abundance
Seth elevates "trusting impulses" to the level of trust in life and the universe as a whole. Impulses are spontaneous urges toward action in the waking state, originating from the deep knowledge of the inner self. Distrusting impulses is equivalent to distrusting the nature of existence. Furthermore, trust has a direct cause-and-effect relationship with the "feeling of abundance"; the feeling of abundance and trust itself brings wealth and prosperity, generating a magnetic effect. On the level of cosmic law, Seth emphasizes to "always trust movement and change rather than permanence or rigidity", because the essence of life lies in flow and transformation.
4. Trust in Channeling Communication and Interpersonal Cooperation
In early channeling practices, trust was the decisive foundation for the progress of communication. Seth showed a high degree of trust in Ruburt and Joseph's inner "automatic translation" mechanism, and pointed out that in interpersonal cooperation, an "atmosphere of mutual trust" and "spontaneity" are indispensable psychological cornerstones. A lack of self-trust leads individuals to blindly rely on others, and this mechanism of outsourcing trust brings great anxiety when it shatters.
III. Evolutionary Thread
Seth's exposition of the concept of "trust" presents a clear evolutionary thread from "concrete application" to "ontological sublimation":
In the first few volumes of The Early Sessions, Seth's discussion of trust focused primarily on pragmatic levels such as the choice of medium for channeling communication, reliance on the inner translation mechanism, and establishing an "atmosphere of mutual trust" in scientific investigation cooperation. At this time, trust was viewed as a tool to overcome communication fear and reduce blocking.
By the middle and late periods of The Early Sessions (Volumes 8 and 9), the definition of trust began to broaden, becoming closely integrated with "spontaneity" and "abundance," serving as a practical life attitude for aligning with the flow of life and overcoming insecurity.
In The Nature of Personal Reality and The Individual and the Nature of Mass Events, trust was elevated to ontological and biological heights. Seth systematically expounded on trust in the "miracle of existence", trust in the "body's self-healing instinct", and trust in "impulses". Trust became a bridge connecting the conscious mind, the inner self, and the body.
In the late works Dreams, "Evolution" and Value Fulfillment and The Way to Health, trust was endowed with profound biological and multidimensional consciousness dimensions. It was defined as the "biological optimism" necessary for species survival, and was ultimately summarized in The Way to Health as "letting go" and "surrendering" to life's energy, becoming the ultimate practice of aligning with the inner cosmic order of "love and cooperation".
IV. Relationship with Related Concepts
Trust and Spontaneity: Spontaneity is the direct manifestation of trust. Distrusting spontaneity leads to the accumulation of physical and psychological symptoms; whereas trusting spontaneity is the only way to achieve safety and freedom.
Trust and Beliefs: Beliefs directly affect the operation of trust. When an individual holds negative core beliefs such as "human nature is inherently evil" or a "basic sense of unworthiness," it undermines trust in others, the world, and one's own impulses.
Trust and Impulses: Impulses are the communication bridge between the inner self and the conscious self. Trusting impulses is trusting the nature of life.
Trust and Love/Cooperation: The source of trust is basic, affirmative love. The operation of the universe is built upon the innate "love and cooperation" characteristics of life, and trust in the universe is essentially an alignment with this cooperative venture.
V. Representative Original Quotations
"On your level, both of these [verbal language and written words] are very difficult to trust." — The Early Sessions, Volume 1
"Always trust movement and change rather than permanence or rigidity." — The Early Sessions, Volume 9
"If you do not trust the nature of your impulses, then you do not trust the nature of your life, the nature of the universe, or the nature of your own existence." — The Individual and the Nature of Mass Events
"The nature of 'letting go' is to trust the spontaneity of your own existence, to trust your own energy, power, and strength, and to 'surrender' to the energy of your own life." — The Way to Health