ineffable.

I chatted with an acquaintance this evening who is not American. By way of a compliment, he observed that one of the distinguishing characteristics of an American is that we assume that everyone else is good-natured and honest. (He further observed that we operate on that assumption until it’s proven wrong.)

Trenchant. And correct, in my view. It’s an operating assumption that has, and will continue to, cost us (viz. Pakistan). But such faith also yields tremendous dividends, and reflects the essential optimism of the American spirit. I wouldn’t abandon it for anything in the world.