The classical Hippocratic Oath that medical professionals take is the foundations of the ethical code. The oath is summarized as:
A solemn promise:
- Of solidarity with teachers and other physicians
- Of beneficence (to do good or avoid evil) and non-maleficence (from the Latin 'primum non nocere' or 'do no harm') towards patients
- Not to assist suicide or abortion
- To leave surgery to surgeons
- Not to harm, especially not to seduce patients
- To maintain confidentiality and never to gossip.'
I believe that every business owner should be required to take a similar oath as with business comes great responsibility. Business owners can heal many of societies wounds. Perhaps all business owners should sign something like the below:
A solemn promise:
- Of solidarity with business owners and business apprentices
- To use my business for the good of my community, family and friends
- Not to assist in fraud, false commitments or non payments
- To leave business to business people
- Not to harm. Especially not to seduce customers falsely
- To dedicate myself to learning the craft of business and to compete legally and fairly