Freemasonry: The Naked Truth

This point raises the crucial question of the transmission of knowledge. When joining a Lodge where training is practically non-existent, one can expect that it will be confronted with some form of turbulence sooner or later. Why? Because if the main motivation of the members, however intelligent or fraternal they may otherwise be, is self-interest or pride (which leads to rivalry and jealousy), then, at the first serious shock to their inherent system of values, their primal instinct will take over, they will become more ape than wise man.

However, the purpose of Masonry is precisely the quest for wisdom, and progressing along this path requires patience and hard work. Luckily, Freemasonry has found the way to help to acquire the knowledge needed to pursue this quest. The “educational tool” used is symbolism.

Thanks to the work on symbols, the Entered Apprentice will understand and be able to internalise the principle of duality, which will be reinforced by the corresponding symbols in the Masonic Temple, such as the moon and the sun, or the black and white squares that are found on the floor in the Mosaic pavement.