If one looks more closely, several different types of trust in trust can be distinguished according to which type one places trust in. The individual can trust his own trust, just as he can feel his feelings or think about his thinking. Furthermore, he can trust that others trust him, and finally that others trust third parties in the same way as he does. The possibilities for application, the risks and the consequent problems all vary according to which type is chosen.

DEFINE: This distinguishes reflexive trust (trust in one's own trust), reciprocal trust (that others trust me), and mediated trust (that others trust third parties).

Niklas Luhmann, Trust and Power, loc. 259