Synopsis
“How far should I go in making my witness? The answer is just so far as I can continue to feel the humanness of my adversary and exercise toward him the same loving compassion and understanding that I want for myself. It is a spirit that sets limits, just as at the same time it is a spirit that compels, that turns back our timidity, that says ‘take a stand’ when others say ‘wait, let’s be careful, all the evidence isn’t in.'”
Steve Cary’s memoirs, speeches, and writings reveal leadership and philosophy that mirror the Quaker experience in education and peace work in the latter half of the twentieth century.
About the Author(s)
Born in 1915 to a Philadelphia Quaker family, Stephen G. Cary led a life of spirit, courage, and action. A conscientious objector during World War II, Steve co-led the American Friends Service Committee effort to help rebuild Europe after the war, served the AFSC for six decades, and participated in civil disobedience throughout his life. He returned to his alma mater, Haverford College, as vice president and interim president and played a major role in shaping the College’s identity as a coeducational institution faithful to Quaker values. He died in 2002.
