Japanese Quote by James A. Michener
““Sometimes when the Japanese maids, in crisp white uniforms, had withdrawn, a Roosevelt appointee would ask timorously, “These Japanese, can they be trusted?” And The Fort invariably replied, “We’ve had Sumiko for eighteen years, and we’ve never known a better or more loyal maid.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Bridges of Tokoishi by James A. Michener, 1972
Trust is built through long, consistent relationships, not stereotypes or isolated incidents.
In simple terms: Trust grows from proven loyalty over time.
Key Takeaway
Value proven reliability over prejudice.
Themes
trust
prejudice
loyalty
relationships
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
observational
analytical
When to use this quote
- hiring staff
- team building
- cross‑cultural collaboration
Key Concepts
cultural bias
interpersonal trust
stereotype challenge
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess trust beyond appearances?
- What steps can reduce cultural bias in hiring?
A Different Perspective
Stereotypes can overlook individual merit.
![“[Very rich people] with brains make a great effort to hold on to every penny they have while preaching to the general population that freedom and dignity and patriotism are possible only under their protection; in this way they elicit the support of the very people they hold in subjection.” quote by James A. Michener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/60b/james-a-michener-1627_freedom_very-rich-people-with-brains-make-a-grea_8715.jpg)
![“. . . Luddites were those frenzied traditionalists of the early 19th century who toured [England] wrecking new weaving machines on the theory that if they were destroyed . . . old jobs and old ways of life could be preserved . . . At certain times in his life each man is tempted to become a…” quote by James A. Michener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/182/james-a-michener-1627_19th-century_luddites-were-those-frenzied-traditional_76909.jpg)
