> A society characterized by generalized reciprocity is more efficient than a distrustful society, for the same reason that money is more efficient than barter.

> A society characterized by generalized reciprocity is more efficient than a distrustful society, for the same reason that money is more efficient than barter. If we don’t have to balance every exchange instantly, we can get a lot more accomplished. Trustworthiness lubricates social life. I see bureaucracy as a technology we use to replace trust, but most times it just results in an unnecessary waste of resources.