What People Are Saying…
"interesting, compassionate, and wise"
The Journal of John Woolman is a book that I have heard about for years without having read. Woolman (1720-1772) was a travelling Quaker writer and preacher who gave up a prosperous life as a clerk/tailor to follow the demands of his conscience.
In his journal, Woolman shares the story that led him on his way. Very human, he wrestles with what it meant to follow his conscience when what his conscience demanded placed him at odds with his community. He was specifically concerned with the evils of slavery. While he spoke sympathetically of those who were unable to give up income connected to the slave trade, he tried to be the example the rest could follow. He became an important influence in the Quaker community, and one of the movers that brought so many Quakers to the abolitionist movement.
Interesting, compassionate and wise, Woolman and his ideals are as relevant and important today as they were in his own time. There’s a startling image that will remain with me of a dignified man refusing to wear dyed clothes in Meeting, since most cloth was produced using slave labor.
Recommended for everyone, but particularly relevant to those with an interest in social justice, the Abolitionist movement or Quaker history.
– Jane
"fair, ethical, & conscientious"
I knew that Woolman did a lot to get Quakers to oppose slavery and I expected a sort of case study on how one might follow their conscience or God even (or especially) when doing so puts you at odds with popular culture or ideology.
In part, this book did meet my expectations of what it would be, but then it surpassed my expectations by proving to be much more.
I didn’t expect how many of Woolman’s concerns would be about issues that are still relevant today. Although, slavery still exists in some parts of the world, few, in western countries, would argue that it’s good or necessary. These other concerns, however, are still sometimes a matter of debate.
In addition to taking on slavery, Woolman addresses fair trade, economic justice, ethically-made clothes, locally-grown food, and the treatment of animals.
As one of the greatest activists of the 16th century, it is particularly interesting that, early in his life, he went against social pressure to choose a career that would pay less, but give him more time. An important strategy, I think, as I consider my excuses for not doing more to improve the world…
– Paul
"profoundly spiritual figure"
John Woolman was profoundly spiritual figure and, with his journal, he meticulously recorded his spiritual autobiography.
Woolman was one of the first to start a consumer boycott for moral reasons, by refusing to wear indigo-dyed clothes, because the dye was produced by slaves.
He recounts of an incident, during his youth, in which he killed a mother bird and immediately was filled with intense sorrow and regret over his action and the resulting necessity of having to put her babies out of their misery. It was an impactful incident and a hard-learned lesson on the consequences of cruelty.
Woolman, along with other “traveling” Quakers, led the Society of Friends to reject the institution of slavery (which eventually resulted in the Quakers becoming leaders of the abolitionist cause).
Woolman became one of very few individuals during that time to defend animals and stand up for animal welfare.
Throughout his journal, you see many examples of John Wooman’s commitment to putting his faith and principles into action. He was a man he truly “practiced what he preached”.
Anyone interested in spiritual journals, Quakers, the history of the Abolitionist movement, or impactful figures, in general, will likely be intrigued and inspired by Wooman’s journal. His other essays on Slavery and other matters are surely worth reading also.
Woolman is a spiritual giant. For contemporaries in America, his anti-materialism and clear thinking are incredible.
– Charles
"an examply of integrity"
Woolman describes the simple choices which turned his life into an example of integrity. His work on ending slavery set an example. The light he carried set events in motion. He changed himself by following his faith. His light then set an example for others. His persistence in preaching abolition greatly contributed to the end of slavery.
– Robert P.