The surest way to cause suspicion is through honesty and humility.

I loved their honesty, their humility and their graciousness. They were fiercely loyal, especially to me. Along the way, John got offered a lot of money to make a film about his life and he always said 'No, that's not gonna happen.' He knew I'd protect the story, make the film he wanted made. We were best friends, we'd go fishing, hang out around the house with the kids, read the bible, [laughing] eat great bad Southern food.

Proctor: I am only wondering how I may prove what she told me, Elizabeth. If the girl's a saint now, I think it is not easy to prove she's fraud, and the town gone so silly. She told it to me in a room alone- I have no proof for it.
Elizabeth: You were alone with her?
Proctor: (stubbornly) For a moment alone, aye.
Elizabeth: Why, then, it is not as you told me.
Proctor: (his anger rising) For a moment, I say. The others come in soon after.
Elizabeth: (as if she has lost all faith in him) Do as you wish then. (she turns)
Proctor: Woman. (she turns to him) I'll not have your suspicion any more.
Elizabeth: (a little loftily) I have no-
Proctor: I'll not have it!
Elizabeth: Then let you not earn it.
Proctor: Now look you-
Elizabeth: I see what I see, John.

The author describes Lincoln's attitude in making a deal with a newspaper publisher as, "almost defiant transparency.

Early in my career...I had to choose between an honest arrogance and a hypercritical humility... I deliberately choose an honest arrogance, and I've never been sorry.

Honesty is the foundation of trust.