Masonic Meritocracy: A Pillar of Strength in a Fractured World
Unpacking the First Part of "IV of Masters, Wardens, Fellows, and Apprentices" to Understand the Timeless Principle of Merit Over Seniority in Freemasonry
"ALL preferment among Masons is grounded upon real worth and personal merit only; that so the lords may be well served, the Brethren not put to shame, nor the royal Craft despised;
therefore no Master or Warden is chosen by seniority, but for his merit. It is impossible to describe these things in writing,
and therefore every Brother must attend in his place, and learn them in a way peculiar to this Fraternity."
The verse encapsulates a cornerstone principle of Freemasonry: meritocracy over seniority. It's not just a rule; it's a philosophy that can elevate or degrade the very fabric of our Brotherhood.
Ignoring this principle is akin to building a house on a shaky foundation. The structure may stand for a while, but eventually, it will crumble, taking down the integrity and reputation of the entire Fraternity. It's not just about selecting the wrong Master or Warden; it's about undermining the collective wisdom and strength that makes us who we are.
The verse is straightforward in its language but profound in its implications.
The word "preferment" has its roots in the Latin "praeferre," which means "to set before." In this context, it refers to the advancement or promotion within the Fraternity. The term "merit" comes from the Latin "meritum," meaning "something that deserves or justifies a reward."
The verse is saying that any advancement should be based solely on one's worthiness and ability to contribute to the greater good.
The principle here is meritocracy, a system where rewards and responsibilities are meted out based on ability, not age or tenure. The key lesson is that meritocracy ensures that "the lords may be well served, the Brethren not put to shame, nor the royal Craft despised." In simpler terms, it keeps the Fraternity strong, respected, and effective.
So, how do we take this ancient wisdom and apply it to our daily lives? It starts with self-assessment. Are we truly contributing to our community, our workplace, and our Fraternity based on our merit, or are we riding the coattails of our seniority? Once we've answered that honestly, the path forward becomes clear.
In your professional life, strive to be the employee who brings real value to the table, not just the one who has been around the longest. But this applies even if you run your own business, as you are in the employment of your customer, or the CEO is in the employ of the shareholder.
In your community, be the neighbour who contributes positively, regardless of how long you've lived there. And within Freemasonry, be the Brother who earns his place, not just one who has been there the longest.
By living this principle, we not only strengthen ourselves but also uphold the integrity and purpose of Freemasonry.
After all, as the verse reminds us, these are lessons best learned "in a way peculiar to this Fraternity." And it's through this collective commitment to merit over seniority that we continue to serve the lords well, keep our Brethren from shame, and ensure that our royal Craft is never despised.