"Pleasure & Profit"

Pleasure often calls to mind leisure, relaxation, and enjoyment, while profit tends to evoke thoughts of hard work, enterprise, and financial gain.

Have you ever come across the phrase "Pleasure and Profit"? It's an intriguing set of words that, at first glance, might seem contradictory. Pleasure often calls to mind leisure, relaxation, and enjoyment, while profit tends to evoke thoughts of hard work, enterprise, and financial gain.

How can these two concepts coexist? As it turns out, they are intrinsically linked, and when we delve into the Masonic teaching of “Pleasure and Profit”, we discover a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the phrase that has much to teach us about living a balanced, meaningful life.

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The phrase "pleasure and profit" is a common English idiom which means deriving both enjoyment (pleasure) and benefits (profit) from an activity. The words 'pleasure' and 'profit' themselves have distinct etymological origins:

Pleasure:
The word "pleasure" comes from the Old French "pleisir" (now plaisir) which means "to please". It made its way into the English language in the late 13th century. It originated from the Latin word "placere", which also means "to please".

Profit:
The word "profit" is derived from the Latin "profectus" which means "advance, increase, success, progress," and also from "proficere" which means "to go forward, advance, make progress". It was integrated into the English language in the late 14th century via Old French as "profit".

In the Masonic context, the phrase "pleasure and profit" refers to a central philosophy that guides a Masons' journey within the Craft.

• Pleasure, in this context, represents the joy, camaraderie, and satisfaction derived from being part of a shared community. It encompasses the fellowship of the lodge, the participation in rituals and traditions, and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a collective group with shared values and objectives.

• Profit, within Freemasonry, does not represent monetary gain but signifies personal growth, moral development, and the pursuit of wisdom. It's about the enrichment of one's character and the continual progression towards greater understanding and enlightenment.

Neglecting the principle of "pleasure and profit" can lead to an unbalanced life where either we're overindulging in leisure and neglecting our growth or we're so focused on self-improvement that we forget to enjoy the journey. This imbalance can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction, restlessness, and even burnout. Without applying this principle, life can become a grind devoid of enjoyment, or a never-ending party that leaves us feeling empty and unfulfilled.

We all aspire to lead lives that are meaningful, fulfilling, and rich in experiences. Freemasonry’s teaching of "pleasure and profit" provides a blueprint for just such a life. It encourages a balanced approach to personal development and enjoyment, allowing us to grow as individuals while also relishing the journey. When we achieve this balance, we are more likely to feel fulfilled and contented.

Failing to strike a balance between pleasure and profit can have serious implications. Overemphasis on pleasure, without the counterbalance of self-improvement, can lead to stagnation and even addictive behaviour. Conversely, an excessive focus on self-improvement or profit, without taking the time to enjoy life and build meaningful relationships, can result in stress, burnout, and isolation.

Imagine living a life where all you do is work, with no time for relaxation, enjoyment, or building relationships. Alternatively, envision a life where you're constantly seeking pleasure, with no thought for personal growth or meaningful pursuits. Neither of these scenarios sounds appealing, do they?

Yet, many of us unwittingly end up leading such lives because we fail to balance pleasure and profit.

So, how can we apply the Masonic lesson of "pleasure and profit" in our personal lives? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Seek Balance:
   Create a daily routine that includes time for work, self-improvement, relaxation, and socialising. Make sure neither aspect dominates your life.

2. Prioritise Personal Growth:
   Set aside time for activities that promote self-improvement. This could be reading, attending workshops or seminars, meditating, or exercising.

3. Enjoy the Journey:
   Find joy in everyday moments, and take time to appreciate the world around you. This might mean going for a walk in nature, spending time with loved ones, or even just savouring a good cup of coffee.

4. Invest in Relationships:
   Foster strong relationships with friends, family, and your community. These social connections can provide a great deal of pleasure and support as you journey through life.

5. Value the Intangible:
   Remember that profit isn't just about money. Value the intangible profits in your life, such as personal growth, moral integrity, and wisdom.

The Masonic principle of "pleasure and profit" offers a guide to a balanced and fulfilling life. It teaches us to seek both enjoyment and personal growth, reminding us that life should not just be a journey of constant labor or continuous leisure, but a blend of both. By applying this principle, we can create a life that is both pleasurable and profitable in the deepest, most meaningful sense.