The 4Way Test ...of what we think, say or do!
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to All Concerned?
- Will it Build GOODWILL and Better Friendships?
- Will it Be BENEFICIAL to All Concerned?
These 24 words change our life.
The Four-Way Test is an ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and Rotarians recite it at club meetings.
An active Rotarian in the Chicago Club, Mr. Herbert J. Taylor shared how the Test had helped his business during The Great Depression. In the early 1940's The 4-Way Test was adopted by Rotary International's board and became a vital part of their Vocational Service Programs. In 1954-1955 Mr. Taylor served as President of Rotary International. This was Rotary's 50th Anniversary year and Mr. Taylor made the cover of Newsweek's February 28th, 1955 issue. He and his wife Gloria traveled all around the world that year. One trip involved over 25,000 miles of airplane travel. They visited 38 countries.
Metropolitan Campaigns begin. Early in the 1950's community and citywide 4-Way Test campaigns began. These campaigns would involve the active participation of many organizations within a metropolitan area. Often the impetus for these campaigns came from local Rotarians. Since then the Test has been introduced around the world in schools, governments, businesses and homes to stimulate and open communication channels -- to build stronger, more effective relationships between people. With these campaigns, printed materials and instructional resources were needed to assist the Test's outreach.
Herbert J. Taylor, author of The 4Way Test, started this Association in 1959 to promote the Test's use across local identities; national, international, cultural and economic borders. Much of this growth has been spearheaded by Rotarians. In fact, the Test sits on the desks of millions of business and professional leaders on seven continents.
Wherever people want to overcome stagnation, prejudice, or the chaos of confused loyalties, these 4 questions stimulate innovation to make communication inroads for a brighter future. Allen Mathis, grandson of founder, Herbert J. Taylor, is President of The 4-Way Test Association.
Mr. Taylor died in 1978, but his legacy of The 4- Way Test continues to spread its influence around the world.
