The iconic cylindrical package was introduced in 1915. Although Quaker Oats Company claims that the "Quaker man" is not meant to resemble or represent an actual person, the company identified the Quaker man as William Penn in advertising dating back to 1909.

It's also not William Penn, namesake of Pennsylvania, even though that has been a persistent rumor due to their striking aesthetic similarities. No, it turns out that the Quaker man on the ubiquitous oat brand's packaging is simply called “Larry” by those in the know. And, what's more, he isn't a real person.

Did the PepsiCo-owned company actually think it could get away with this logo redesign unnoticed? The Quaker Man was born in 1877 and has undergone many instances of reconstructive surgery. In the last year, alone, Quaker has introduced two new logos - some designs attempting to emote a svelter and "lighter" image.

Today, there are approximately 400,000 Quakers around the world, by some estimates, with the highest percentage in Africa.

Quakers are people who belong to the Religious Society of Friends, a historically Protestant Christian set of denominations. Members of these movements ("the Friends") are generally united by a belief in each human's ability to experience the light within or "answering that of God in every one".

Quakers are not forbidden from using alcohol (or tobacco), but most Quakers avoid them, or consume them moderately. From Faith & Practice: In view of the harm done by the use of alcohol, tobacco and other habit-forming drugs, consider whether you should limit your use of them or refrain from using them altogether.

Because of their uncompromising beliefs, they endured more persecution than any other independent religious sect in England. Unfortunately for the Quakers, this followed suit into the colonies of the New World, as well when some traveled on missionary trips to preach their word.

There are two fundamental aspects to Quaker faith. First, Friends believe that all people are capable of directly experiencing the divine nature of the universe - which is known by many names, God or the Holy Spirit or simply Spirit being among the most common.

Founder George Fox (1624-91) was the son of a Leicestershire weaver. The name "Quaker" was a derogatory name given to Fox and his followers in response to Fox's admonition to to the judge at one of his trials to tremble at the Word of the Lord.

Quakerism is a way of life, rather than a set of beliefs. It has roots in Christianity and many Quakers find the life and teachings of Jesus inspirational, but we have no creed. Quakers today do not look any different from other people, although we try to avoid extravagance and excess.

Tea, coffee, cocoa and drinking chocolate were not only delicious, they were also considered to be healthy alternatives to alcohol, which Quakers deemed bad for society (many, but not all, still do).

Some marched into churches, where they denounced ministers as dumb dogs and hirelings. They also refused to doff their hats before magistrates or to swear oaths. They opposed war and gave women the right to speak at public meetings, holding that both sexes were equal in their ability to expound God's teachings.