Oath

An Oath for Information and Knowledge Workers, Aberystwyth, April 2003.

Knowing and understanding that Knowledge, Information and Truth is mankind's last great hope for the future peace and prosperity of the human race, and accepting with humility and respect the power and duty which my position confers and requires of me, I swear that:

I recognise my role and responsiblity as mere servant to the Information which passes through my domain and that that Information is my very purpose and reason in that role. I shall never succumb to the temptation to exploit my position to my own benefit, for these actions would make me unfit for such a role.

I recognise that the unobstructed freedom to share and recieve that Knowledge is a right as is also the freedom and right not to share information of a personal nature.

I will neither allow, aid or instigate measures which would harm or hinder the free flow of Knowledge, regardless of the nature of such Knowledge.

I must be prepared at all times to defend my domain against those who would manipulate and corrupt the Information to their selfish ends and the detriment of others by whatever means necessary.

I shall leave the divining of Truth from the maelstrom of Information to the individual or my own private studies.

I shall share the Knowledge which I possess and have discovered in the course of my work, in the spirit of this Oath.

I will do all in my power to teach and advocate the principles and ethics contained within this Oath, because I know that it is right.

Respectful of the the critical and unique responsibility of my task, I swear to carry it out in accordance with this Oath, for the betterment of all humankind.