The Quaker Concept of “Retirement”

“Retirement is considered by the Quakers as a Christian duty. The members, therefore, of the Society are expected to wait in silence, not only in their places of worship, but occasionally in their families, or in their private chambers, in the intervals of their daily occupations, that, in stillness of heart, and in freedom from the active contrivance of their own wills, they may acquire both directions and strength for the performance of the duties of life.”

— Thomas Clarkson, 1806
English abolitionist and historian

Today’s Invitation

Spend some time today in stillness of heart, that you may acquire directions and strength for your day.

This Week’s Query

How do beauty, art, and leisure fit into your ideas of simplicity?

When you think of simplifying your life, what are you making space for?

Share your response!

Read the source of today’s quote
Banner art © 2010 Liz Di Giorgio

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  • Thomas Clarkson (1760 – 1846) was an English abolitionist, and a leading campaigner against the slave trade in the British Empire. He helped found the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade (also known as the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade) and helped achieve passage of the Slave Trade Act 1807, which ended British trade in slaves.

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