This quote by Sophocles speaks to the idea that trust is vulnerable and easily broken, while mistrust is far more resilient and can rapidly take root. It recommends that when trust is broken, it is tough to fix, while skepticism can quickly take hold and spread. This can be seen in relationships, where a single act of betrayal can trigger a deep rift that is hard to fix. It can likewise be seen in politics, where a lack of trust in between countries can result in a cycle of skepticism and hostility that is difficult to break. The quote likewise speaks to the idea that skepticism can be a self-fulfilling prediction, as it can lead to further mistrust and hostility. In this method, skepticism can be seen as a sort of vicious circle, where it can rapidly take hold and spread, while trust is much more delicate and quickly broken.
"Nothing great is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig. I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen"
