"And though he were untruste, be diligent"

The essence of this quote is pretty straightforward: even if someone isn't reliable or trustworthy, keep putting in the effort and stay diligent. It might seem odd at first—why should you bother when the other person isn't trustworthy? But there's wisdom here.

To give you some context, think about times in history or in your own life when you've had to work with someone you couldn't fully trust. Maybe it's a colleague who doesn't always pull their weight or a friend who's flaked on you a few times. Despite these issues, staying diligent and committed to your tasks can still bring about success and maybe even turn things around.

Consider the example of a project team in a workplace. Imagine you're part of a team tasked with delivering a crucial project. Within the team, there's this one member named Alex who's notorious for missing deadlines and not delivering quality work. Now, it could be tempting to slack off yourself, thinking, "Why should I bother if Alex isn't?" But, you push on diligently. You cover your assignments and even help Alex when possible. Your dedication doesn't just ensure the project’s success—it also sets a standard. Maybe Alex starts feeling the pressure to step up, seeing your commitment.

So how can you apply this to your own life? It starts with focusing on what you can control. You can't change others, but you can control your own actions and mindset. Keep your standards high, no matter what. This doesn’t mean you ignore the problem or don’t address it. You should still have conversations about trust and responsibility. But your own diligence should remain unwavering.

Now, picture this: You're in a group for a college course, and there's a big presentation due. One of your teammates, let's call her Jamie, hasn't shown up for meetings and often ignores messages. The rest of the group is frustrated and morale is dipping. You decide to take the bull by the horns. You organize the next meeting, delegate tasks clearly, and follow up consistently. You also reach out to Jamie one-on-one to understand her situation. It turns out, she's been struggling with personal issues but appreciates your support. With your encouragement and the team's renewed structure, she starts contributing more reliably. The presentation turns out to be a hit, and your professor even highlights your group’s teamwork as exemplary.

In short, staying diligent even when others aren't is about maintaining your integrity and work ethic. It’s not about being naive—it's about leading by example. When you commit to your efforts, it often inspires others to do the same. And even if it doesn't, at least you know you gave it your all, and that can open doors for other opportunities and collaborations down the line.