It is difficult to say what Quakers believe because 1) there is no creed or set of beliefs which must be held to gain membership and 2) Quakers usually see themselves as seekers of truth and at no time think they have actually found it on all points. They see life as a continual spiritual journey. The most essential Quaker belief is that "there is that of God in everyone." From this follow the positions of pacifism and opposition to capital punishment. Honesty is emphasized: Quakers will not swear to tell the truth because their word is supposed always to be truthful and not only trustworthy when sworn to. Quakers strive to live simply, by avoiding commercialism and trying to live in balance with nature. An idea central to Quakerism is that there is constant revelation of God to individuals. The truth about God and how to live a loving life is not contained only in the Bible but is revealed over and over again in books by many authors and to any who seek and listen for God's message.