The Society was launched in London in September 2007. Since its establishment, the Society has brought together young business leaders and entrepreneurs for topical discussions with high-profile guest speakers. Mercurius Societies have been formed in other cities in Europe. The Society seeks to link those in the private sector who share the concepts of limited government and individual liberty with their counterparts in think-tanks, politics, academia and the media. The mission of the Mercurius Society is to strengthen support for free enterprise; enlist business leaders into the free market community; and encourage them to take pride in their role as the creators of prosperity.
Name and Logo
Mercury (“Mercurius” in Latin) was the Roman god of trade, commerce, profit, and entrepreneurial success. Most of his characteristics were borrowed from the analogous Greek deity, Hermes. Mercurius is related to the Latin word merx ("merchandise"), the origin of words such as merchant and commerce. The Mercurius Society is committed to free markets, free trade, and entrepreneurial creativity. The Society’s motto, Libertas Prosperitatis, means “Freedom to Prosper”.
What We Do
We create platforms for real-life discussions.
The Internet is an efficient and low-cost means to promote the ideas and the policies of individual liberty and economic freedom among audiences around the world. However, for achieving long-term results it is essential to complement online activities with real-life (“offline”) initiatives that build a core of supporters who know each other personally. Regular discussions held in an informal setting provide a good opportunity for like-minded people to stay in touch, to introduce friends and business partners to the network, and to generate sustained financial support and leadership for the movement for freedom.
We counter hostility to the free market
By educating and strengthening commitments to freedom among core local groups of supporters. Arguing in favour of economic liberalization and limited government at a time of financial crisis has become an uphill battle. There is growing support for increased government interference. In both developed and developing countries the temptation to increase government control over the economy is driving them towards more nationalization and command-and-control regulation.
We establish self-reliant local financial bases for other initiatives.
Gaining local sponsorship support on the ground is critical for achieving long-lasting results. The Mercurius Society introduces businesspeople to think tanks and other initiatives they could support. More importantly, a real-life society that brings those think tank leaders together with business leaders to discuss critical issues has an ability to make potential donors feel involved, appreciated, and engaged. It is also highly important from an image prospective for, as reliance on overseas grants is often perceived with suspicion and criticism in many countries.
We globalise and franchise our model.
Since its establishment in September 2007 (initially under the name Shaftesbury Avenue Society), the Society has held topical discussions with high-profile guest speakers in London, the city of its origin. Mercurius Societies have been formed in other cities in Europe (Berlin, Zagreb and Moscow). The Mercurius Society’s business plan focuses on providing a reliable brand and franchising it and the basic model to self-reliant local groups. The various Mercurius Societies are linked in an international network.