貴格會Quakers之立身行事之道

 

貴格會Quakers之立身行事之道

貴格會Quakers，其所秉持之核心原則，世人謂之「證言」，乃其立身行事之圭臬。此等原則，非空泛之清談，乃深入貴格會子弟之言行舉止。茲列舉數端，以明其義：

一曰「誠信」

誠信者，乃為人處世之根本。貴格會人，無論於言辭或行為，皆務求真實不欺。縱有艱難，亦不苟且。其所重者，乃光明磊落，公平待人。經商之道，亦莫不以誠信為本，取信於顧客、雇員，乃至整個社群。故，貴格會之商賈，素以公平正直著稱。

二曰「簡樸」

簡樸者，乃生活之要道。貴格會人，崇尚簡約，摒棄奢靡，focus於真正重要之事。其所追求者，乃清靜淡泊，不為外物所累。經商之道，亦當如是。重質不重量，不事繁瑣，務求效率與目標。亦可將營運及產品化繁為簡，以切合顧客之真正需求。

三曰「和平」

和平者，乃天下之公理。貴格會人，力行非暴力，致力於世間之和平與正義。其所追求者，乃化解紛爭，促進理解。經商之道，亦當如是。營造尊重合作之職場文化，避免任何可能傷害他人或環境之舉措。更可積極參與社群事務，為和平與正義奔走呼號。

四曰「平等」

平等者，乃人皆有之權利。貴格會人，篤信人皆平等，無論出身背景，皆應受尊重。其所追求者，乃公平待人，重視多元，致力於消除不公。經商之道，亦當如是。營造公平包容之職場環境，使人人皆有平等發展之機會。更可於社群之中，倡導社會正義與平等。

五曰「 stewardship」

此詞雖無適當漢語譯名，然其義至為深遠，可謂「善用資源，守護大地」。貴格會人，念及環境之影響，力行可持續發展之道。其所追求者，乃人與自然之和諧共存。經商之道，亦當如是。採取環保措施，減少浪費，節約資源。更可於社群之中，倡導環境保護與可持續發展。

總而言之，貴格會之原則，乃立身行事之堅實基礎。

其所秉持之誠信、簡樸、和平、平等、善用資源等信念，皆能使人於世間活得更有意義，行事更合乎道德，並為他人及整個星球之福祉貢獻力量。故，貴格會人，皆以其原則為指引，力求於世間留下積極之影響。

some of the most famous Quaker businessmen and their legacies:   

• The Cadbury Family: This name is synonymous with chocolate! John Cadbury founded the company in the 19th century, and his sons, Richard and George, expanded it into a global brand. They were known for their fair treatment of workers, providing good wages and housing, and for their philanthropic efforts. Cadbury's commitment to quality and ethical practices stemmed from their Quaker beliefs.  

• The Rowntree Family: Another prominent name in the confectionery industry, the Rowntree family, like the Cadburys, were Quakers. Joseph Rowntree was a social reformer and philanthropist who believed in improving the lives of his employees. He established the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a charitable trust that continues to work towards social justice and equality today.   

• The Fry Family: Before Cadbury and Rowntree, there was Fry's! J. S. Fry & Sons was a leading chocolate manufacturer in the 19th century. The Fry family were Quakers and contributed to the development of the industry.   

• The Darby Family: This family played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution. Abraham Darby I pioneered the use of coke in iron smelting, leading to more efficient production. His descendants continued to innovate in iron manufacturing, contributing to the development of iron bridges and railways. Their Quaker values of hard work and ingenuity drove their success.   

• The Clarks Family: You might be wearing their shoes right now! Clarks, the shoe manufacturer, was founded by Cyrus Clark and his brother James in the 19th century. The Clarks were Quakers and built their business on principles of quality and craftsmanship.   

• Barclay's Bank: While it's no longer explicitly a Quaker business, Barclay's Bank has its roots in Quaker banking. In the 17th century, Quakers, known for their honesty and reliability, established banks. Over time, these banks merged to form what we know today as Barclays.   

• William Cookworthy: A pioneer in the British porcelain industry, Cookworthy discovered the formula for hard-paste porcelain, establishing the first successful factory in Plymouth. His Quaker background likely influenced his dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

• The Pease Family: This prominent Quaker family was instrumental in the development of the British railway system. Edward Pease was a key figure in the Stockton and Darlington Railway, one of the first public railways to use steam locomotives. Their involvement in this transformative technology reflects the Quaker emphasis on progress and innovation.

• John Horniman: Founder of the famous Horniman's Tea company, John Horniman was a Quaker who built his business on principles of quality and fair trade. He was known for his commitment to providing pure and unadulterated tea, reflecting the Quaker value of honesty.

• The Tuke Family: This family was renowned for their progressive approach to mental health care. William Tuke founded The Retreat in York, a pioneering mental asylum that treated patients with compassion and respect, a revolutionary approach at the time. This reflects the Quaker belief in the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals.

• Joseph Wharton: An American industrialist and philanthropist, Wharton founded the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, a major force in the American steel industry. He was also a significant benefactor to education, establishing the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, reflecting the Quaker emphasis on learning and social betterment.

• The Backhouse Family: This Quaker family was involved in banking and finance, contributing to the development of the British financial system. Their reputation for integrity and trustworthiness, qualities valued by Quakers, made them successful in this field.

• Levi Coffin: Known as the "President of the Underground Railroad," Levi Coffin was a Quaker businessman and abolitionist who played a crucial role in helping enslaved people escape to freedom. He used his business acumen and resources to support the Underground Railroad, demonstrating the Quaker commitment to equality and justice.

• Johns Hopkins: A Quaker abolitionist and philanthropist, Johns Hopkins made a significant contribution to education and healthcare. He bequeathed his fortune to establish Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital, both renowned institutions that continue to make a difference today. This reflects the Quaker emphasis on learning and social betterment.

• Joseph Wharton: As mentioned before, Wharton was a prominent industrialist and philanthropist who founded the Bethlehem Steel Corporation. He also established the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, highlighting the Quaker belief in the importance of education and contributing to society.

• The Strawbridge Family: The Strawbridge family founded Strawbridge & Clothier, a major department store chain in the Philadelphia area. Their business was known for its fair treatment of employees and its commitment to the local community, reflecting Quaker values of integrity and stewardship.

• The Parrish Family: This Quaker family was involved in banking and finance in Philadelphia. They were known for their honesty and reliability, qualities that were highly valued in the financial sector.

• The Scattergood Family: This family was involved in various businesses, including pharmaceuticals and real estate. They were known for their philanthropic activities and their commitment to social reform, reflecting the Quaker emphasis on service and making a positive impact on the world.

• Samuel F. B. Morse: While best known for inventing the telegraph, Morse was also a successful businessman who helped to commercialize his invention. Though not raised Quaker, he was influenced by Quaker values of hard work and perseverance.

• Thomas Garrett: A Quaker abolitionist and businessman, Garrett dedicated his life and fortune to helping enslaved people escape to freedom. He was a key figure in the Underground Railroad, providing shelter, food, and transportation to those seeking a new life.

• Lucretia Mott: A prominent Quaker abolitionist, women's rights advocate, and social reformer, Mott was also involved in business. She and her husband, James Mott, were involved in the cotton business, though they eventually divested from it due to their opposition to slavery.

• John Greenleaf Whittier: A renowned Quaker poet and abolitionist, Whittier was also involved in journalism and publishing. He used his platform to advocate for social justice and equality, reflecting the Quaker commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

• Levi Strauss: Though not a Quaker himself, Levi Strauss, the founder of Levi Strauss & Co., was influenced by Quaker values of honesty and integrity. His company became known for its durable and high-quality denim workwear.

• The Cox Family: This Quaker family was involved in the lumber business in the Pacific Northwest. They were known for their sustainable forestry practices and their commitment to environmental stewardship, reflecting Quaker values of caring for the earth.

• The Foulke and Longstreth families: These Quaker families were involved in the textile industry in Philadelphia. They were known for their fair labor practices and their commitment to providing good working conditions for their employees.

• Arthur Dorland: A Canadian Quaker educator and activist, Dorland was instrumental in founding the Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs, a forum for discussing social and political issues. This reflects the Quaker commitment to social betterment and engaging with the wider community.
• The Bewley Family: This prominent Irish Quaker family founded Bewley's, a renowned tea and coffee company that has been a staple in Ireland for generations. Their commitment to quality and fair trade likely stemmed from their Quaker values.
• The Jacob Family: William Beale Jacob and his brother Robert, both Quakers, founded Jacob's, a well-known Irish biscuit manufacturer. Their success in the food industry highlights the Quaker tradition of providing sustenance and focusing on quality.
• Pierre Ceresole: A Swiss Quaker and pacifist, Ceresole founded the International Voluntary Service, an organization that promotes peace and reconciliation through voluntary work. This reflects the Quaker commitment to peace and service.
• Tamon Maeda: While not a businessman in the traditional sense, Maeda was a Japanese Quaker who played a significant role in Japanese society. He served as a pre-war ambassador to the International Labour Organization and later as Minister of Education. His involvement in public service reflects the Quaker emphasis on contributing to the community.