My ancestor, Peter Pearson, came to America as a Quaker fleeing persecution in England. Today. the Adult Formation Class at St. James Episcopal Church, studied a chapter on Household Economics written by Sharon Daloz Parks from the book, Practicing Our Faith edited by Dorothy C. Bass. The chapter mentioned simplicity as a practice of the Quaker faith. I came home and prepared this blog.
In our busy, consumer-driven world, the idea of “simplicity” can feel out of reach. We are surrounded by messages telling us to buy more, do more, and strive for more. Yet centuries ago, the Quaker faith—also known as the Religious Society of Friends—lifted up simplicity as one of its central testimonies. For Quakers, simplicity has never been about deprivation, but about creating space for the Spirit to move freely in daily life.
“Try to live simply. A simple lifestyle, freely chosen, is a source of strength.”
— Quaker Faith & Practice
What Simplicity Means to Quakers
The Quaker testimony of simplicity is rooted in the belief that truth and divine guidance are best heard when the noise of excess is stripped away. Early Friends practiced “plainness” in speech, dress, and possessions. They avoided extravagant clothing or titles, choosing instead direct language like “yes” and “no.” Their goal was not to reject beauty or joy, but to remain honest, grounded, and free from distractions that could cloud their spiritual vision.
Simplicity, then, is not a rigid rule but a guiding principle. It calls people to focus on what truly matters: truth, love, and spiritual depth.
A rare 125 year-old photograph of Philadelphia Quakers at Old City’s Arch Street Meeting House during a Meeting for Worship in April 1900.
Living Simply in Daily Life
Though few modern Friends wear plain dress today, the call to simplicity still shapes how many live:
- Plain Speech & Honesty – Speaking truth without exaggeration or flattery.
- Mindful Living – Choosing quality and usefulness over excess and waste.
- Centeredness – Making time for silence and reflection, letting go of unnecessary busyness.
- Community & Equality – Valuing people over possessions or status.
“Simplicity is the right ordering of our lives, placing God at the center and leaving space for what matters most.”
— John Woolman
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A simple table with bread, fruit, and tea—a visual reminder of nourishment without excess.)
Why It Matters Today
In many ways, the Quaker testimony of simplicity feels more relevant now than ever. Our culture equates success with wealth and consumption, leaving many stressed, overworked, and yearning for meaning. Simplicity offers another way—one that emphasizes contentment, sustainability, and peace.
By choosing to live simply, we lessen our dependence on material goods, reduce our impact on the environment, and free ourselves to focus on relationships, service, and spiritual growth.
“A man is rich in proportion to the things he can afford to let alone.”
— William Penn
A Personal Invitation
The heart of Quaker simplicity is not about what you give up, but about what you make room for. When we release clutter—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—we create space for what nourishes us most deeply.
Perhaps ask yourself: What could I set aside to make space for stillness, connection, and joy?
“Be patterns, be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations… then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone.”
— George Fox
A family or community gathered outdoors, sharing in simple joy together
The Curious Pilgrims 