Trust, but verify facts for kids

Trust, but verify is a well-known saying that comes from a Russian proverb. It means that even if you trust someone, it's important to check and make sure everything is as it should be. This phrase became very famous during the Cold War era, especially when Ronald Reagan was the President of the United States. He used it to explain that the U.S. could trust the Soviet Union in agreements, but they also needed to make sure the Soviet Union would keep its promises.

What Does "Trust, But Verify" Mean?

The idea behind "trust, but verify" is simple: it's good to have faith in others, but it's also smart to be careful. Imagine you're working on a school project with a friend. You trust your friend to do their part, but you might still check in to see how it's going. This makes sure everything is on track and helps avoid problems later. The proverb reminds us to be both trusting and responsible.

The Cold War and Its Importance

The Cold War was a long period of tension and rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. It lasted from the end of World War II in the mid-1940s until the early 1990s. It was called "cold" because there wasn't a direct, large-scale war between the two main powers. Instead, they competed in many ways, like building up their armies, exploring space, and trying to influence other countries around the world. Both sides had many powerful nuclear weapons, which made the period very serious.

Ronald Reagan's Role in the Cold War

Ronald Reagan was the 40th President of the United States, serving from 1981 to 1989. He played a big part in the later years of the Cold War. President Reagan believed in being strong against the Soviet Union, but he also wanted to find ways to reduce the number of dangerous nuclear weapons.

Using the Phrase in Arms Control

Reagan often used the phrase "trust, but verify" when he was talking with Soviet leaders, especially Mikhail Gorbachev. They were discussing important agreements to limit or get rid of nuclear weapons. For example, during the INF Treaty talks, this saying was very important. It meant that both countries needed to agree to reduce their weapons, but they also had to allow inspectors to check that the weapons were actually removed. This way, both sides could be sure the other was following the rules.

Why This Phrase Still Matters Today

Even though the Cold War is over, the idea of "trust, but verify" is still very useful. It can apply to many parts of life, not just politics. For example, when you are online, it's good to trust information from reliable sources. However, it's also smart to verify that information by checking other sources or asking an adult. This helps you make sure what you read or hear is true and accurate.

Images for kids

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  1985 Reagan–Gorbachev meeting at the Geneva Summit in Switzerland

See also

In Spanish: Confía, pero verifica para niños