I have been reading Robert K. Greenleaf’s book, The Power of Servant Leadership, which details the story of Nikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig, recognised as the “father of Danish Folk High Schools”. Grundtvig’s vision for Denmark’s newly enfranchised peasantry offers a compelling example for Quakers and businesses seeking to address growing inequality. These peasants, formerly serfs, had recently acquired small landholdings.
Despite facing scepticism, Grundtvig established the first folk high school in Rødding, Southern Denmark, in 1844. These schools implemented practical education, equipping individuals with essential skills for success as new landowners. Furthermore, the farmers adopted the cooperative model from England. This combination of education and collaborative business practices enabled this marginalised group to develop successful livelihoods and transition into the middle class.
Reflecting on Grundtvig’s impact, as outlined by Greenleaf, prompts consideration of how Quakers and business leaders can respond to increasing inequality, notably in the UK. The Danish case demonstrates the potential of investing in education and fostering collaborative economic models. Could not Quakers and businesses, guided by values of equality and social justice, implement similar strategies to empower individuals and enhance societal equity? Grundtvig’s legacy, as detailed by Greenleaf, serves as a potent reminder of education’s transformative power and the impact of collective action on social and economic mobility.
Further reading:
The Power of Servant Leadership by Robert K Greenleaf Page 137
https://danishfolkhighschools.com/about-folk-high-schools/history
