Each Columbia-Patuxent Rotary meeting begins with the Pledge of Allegiance to our nation’s flag, followed by reciting of the Four-Way Test, a practical code of ethics created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor. He was president of a failing cookware company in Chicago, seeking to instill the traits of character, dependability, and service throughout the organization.
Taylor fashioned a 24-word “test” of four brief questions that could be answered to decide if proposed plans, policies, statements or actions were right or wrong in each case. As this simple ethics measure was practiced daily, Taylor’s business flourished.
Taylor also found that the Four-Way Test, when used in personal relations with others at home and in social and community life, led to intangible benefits. In his words, it bred “a constant increase in goodwill, friendship, and confidence … a great improvement in moral character.”
In January of 1943, Rotary International officially adopted the Four-Way Test and its application to what our members think, say or do. But is it still relevant 73 years later, in today’s modern world? The answer is a ringing “YES” according to Jamaican Rotarian Haresh L. Ramchandani, writing in a recent issue of The Rotarian magazine. “The Four-Way Test is a road map we need now more than ever,” he declares. He goes on to parse the four questions that make up this "prescription for living."
Is it the truth? Truth is the bedrock. This first question asks us to strip away any smokescreens and face the reality of our actions. When we stop meaning what we say, trust collapses.
Is it fair to all concerned? If truth is about reality, fairness is about morality. This question protects our relationships from bias and exploitation. It urges us to remember the humanity of others before making a move.
Will it build goodwill and better friendships? “Friendship” is the most democratic of relationships because it is available to everyone, rich or poor. “Goodwill” reminds us that to have a friend, we must first be one.
Will it be beneficial to all concerned? “Beneficial” means to add something good to the world that was not there before. It emphasizes a commitment to the greater good.
Ramchandani concludes endorsement of the Four-Way Test’s relevancy by issuing this challenge that Herbert J. Taylor himself would applaud: “The next time you’re faced with a tough decision — in business or in life — ask yourself these four questions. You might be surprised at how much clarity they bring.”
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