Conceptual and theoretical arguments likewise suggest that the maintenance of trust via the extension of associations based on personal bonds might be seen to involve an element of rational pursuit. Trust, although a potential spin-off of familiarity, friendship, and moral values, must not be confused with them, for it has quite different properties (Luhmann, this volume). It is perhaps such confusion which has led to the conclusion that we should treat it as both an eminently scarce resource and purely a by-product. This does not take adequate account of our ability to act, to simulate, try out, learn, apply and codify signals and practices which may initially be predicated on unintentional states, but which could be duplicated in the as if behaviour form far beyond their source.

DEFINE: Distinguishes trust from familiarity, friendship, and moral values, which it is often confused with.

Diego Gambetta, Trust - Making and Breaking…, loc. 2847