Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him and to let him know that you trust him.

Washington’s remark expresses a core principle of his educational and leadership philosophy: people grow when they are treated as capable and are given real duties rather than mere instruction. “Responsibility” here is not punishment but an empowering assignment that calls forth initiative, discipline, and self-respect. The second element—explicit trust—signals recognition and belonging, which can be as formative as the task itself. In the context of Washington’s emphasis on character-building, vocational training, and practical leadership at Tuskegee, the quote underscores mentorship through delegation: confidence placed in someone becomes a lever for their development and for building reliable communities and institutions.