“Trust everyone, but brand your calves” is a modern twist on an old saying, drawing from the wisdom of pastoral practices and infusing it with a contemporary ethos. It’s a nuanced view that holds optimism about human nature in one hand—encouraging trust and openness as default attitudes towards others—while in the other hand, it firmly grasps the reality that self-protection and due diligence are necessary.

This adage embodies a duality that resonates with unorthodox thinking. It suggests a worldview that embraces trust not as naiveté but as a chosen strength, a testament to one’s belief in the overall goodness of people. Simultaneously, it recognizes the pragmatic necessity of safeguarding what is valuable to you. Like the ancient Greek philosophy of Stoicism, there is a deep understanding of what is within our control and what is not. Trusting others is a choice within our control, but we must also accept the uncontrollable nature of others’ actions and thus prepare for any outcome.

In the context of entrepreneurship and innovation, this phrase can be seen as a guiding principle. Entrepreneurs must trust their partners, customers, and sometimes even competitors to a certain extent, as this trust fosters a conducive environment for business and innovation. Yet, they also must protect their creations—branding their calves—through patents, copyrights, and trademarks, ensuring that their innovations remain their own. It is a dance between collaboration and competition, a balance between sharing ideas and protecting them.

It’s a reminder that while it’s beautiful and human to trust, it’s wise and necessary to take precautions—in your ventures, in your relationships, and in the stewardship of your creative endeavors.