"Can you watch my stuff?"

Ever think about the bond that you share with your neighbour at the library? Aside from the whispered, "Can you watch my stuff" and perhaps a "thanks", there is no conversation. You do not know that person, yet you trust your prized possession: the laptop (aka your life), your notes, your books, etc all to acomplete stranger.

What makes us think that this person is anymore trustworthy than the next person in the library? Is it the commonalities? The both of you share some basic characteristics. You both came to this place for sanctuary, peace, quiet. You are both students, striving towards the same common goal; graduation.

If not the commonalities, then could it have something to do with the question "Can you watch my stuff?"...Because the person will no doubt answer "sure", then they are bound morally, to make sure your things are ok in your absence. Is that really it?

Perhaps. Maybe humans are really that good deep down inside.

Further Pondering: Are you required to watch their things if they leave more than once? And what if they ask you to watch their things and then later you leave- do you need to ask them to watch your things, or is it implied that they should?