Stoicism and Freemasonry
In a world of constant change and uncertainty, how can you find stability and meaning in your life?
This question has puzzled philosophers and seekers of wisdom for millennia, and it's no less relevant today than it was in ancient times.
For those seeking enlightenment, especially around the time that Freemasonry was formalised in the 1800s, many philosophers looked to both the ancient teachings of Freemasonry as well as those of the Stoics to make sense of our daily suffering that forms part of the human condition.
In this edition of Daily Masonic Progress, you'll discover three key insights that bridge the ancient philosophy of Stoicism with our Masonic traditions:
You'll explore the history and modern relevance of Stoicism,
Delve into its core principles and practices, and
Uncover the striking similarities between Stoic teachings and Freemasonry.
But first, why should we as Freemasons look to Stoicism, a philosophy that made sense in the time of Gladiators and Ancient Rome?
As a Freemason, you're always seeking further light in Masonry, and we are encouraged to learn from the Ancient Mysteries.
Stoicism not only offers timeless wisdom that Stoicism, like Freemasonry - but it’s wisdom when understood that can enhance your understanding of Masonic principles and provide practical tools for living a more virtuous and fulfilling life.
Stoicism, and Freemasonry, are not merely a set of abstract ideas, but each provides a way of life.
Both offer concrete practices for dealing with life's challenges, cultivating virtue, and finding inner peace. By understanding Stoicism, you can gain new perspectives on your Masonic teachings and find additional ways to apply them in your daily life.
Now, to understand why we need to understand Stoicism, we should start with its origins and its surprising resurgence in our modern world.
Have you ever wondered why an ancient philosophy, born in a world so different from ours, is experiencing such a revival in the 21st century?
In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, you might feel disconnected from yourself and others. You may struggle to find meaning and purpose amidst the chaos of modern life.
This is where Stoicism comes in, offering timeless wisdom that speaks to your deepest human needs.
Consider the story of James Stockdale, a U.S. Navy vice admiral who was held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam for over seven years. Stockdale credited his survival and mental resilience to the Stoic teachings he had studied, particularly those of the Roman philosopher Epictetus. In the face of torture and isolation, Stockdale found strength in Stoic principles, focusing on what he could control and accepting what he couldn't.
Imagine how these same principles could help you navigate your daily challenges. Stoicism, founded by Zeno of Citium around 300 BCE, teaches that virtue is the highest good and that you should focus on what is within your control. These principles, so helpful to Stockdale in extreme circumstances, can be equally valuable in your life.
Today, Stoicism is embraced by people from all walks of life, from Silicon Valley executives to professional athletes, who find its practical wisdom invaluable in dealing with stress, setbacks, and the pursuit of personal excellence.
Wouldn't you like to tap into this same source of strength and wisdom?
As we delve deeper into Stoic principles, you'll see how this ancient philosophy offers practical tools for self-improvement and ethical living - goals that align closely with our Masonic pursuits.
But how can you cultivate inner peace and virtue in a world that often seems chaotic and morally ambiguous? This question is at the heart of both Stoicism and Freemasonry.
In your Masonic journey, you seek to improve yourself and the world around you, but sometimes the path forward isn't clear. Stoicism offers practical guidance for this journey.
Imagine you're facing a difficult decision at work. The easy path might bring short-term gain but compromise your integrity. The right choice could mean temporary hardship but align with your values. How do you choose?
Stoicism teaches you to focus on virtue as the highest good. The four primary virtues of Stoicism - wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance - provide a moral compass for navigating such dilemmas.
A Stoic would advise choosing the path of integrity, regardless of the immediate consequences. Now, where in masonry would we find those same lessons? The Plumb Rule and the 24 Inch Guage.
Wouldn't you feel more at peace knowing you've made a decision aligned with your deepest values?
But Stoicism isn't just about lofty ideals. It offers practical exercises to help you live these principles.
The practice of negative visualization, for instance, involves imagining losing the things you value. Far from being pessimistic, this exercise helps you appreciate what you have and prepares you for life's inevitable challenges.
How much more grateful might you feel for your blessings if you regularly practised this?
Another key Stoic practice is the dichotomy of control.
This involves focusing your energy on what you can control (your thoughts, actions, and attitudes) and accepting what you can't (external events, other people's actions).
This principle can be incredibly liberating, freeing you from needless worry and allowing you to direct your efforts where they can truly make a difference.
In Freemasonry, we find these same lessons taught through the common gavel, chisel and ashlars.
Can you see how this could reduce stress and increase your effectiveness in daily life?
These Stoic and Masonic principles and practices offer a practical framework for ethical living and personal growth. They teach you to cultivate virtue, maintain perspective, and find tranquillity even in difficult circumstances.
As you explore these ideas, you might notice some familiar themes.
Indeed, many Stoic concepts resonate deeply with your Masonic teachings, as you'll discover next.
Why does Stoicism feel so familiar to many Freemasons, despite predating our craft by centuries?
As a Mason, you're taught to use the tools of Masonry to build your spiritual temple.
But sometimes, the connection between these symbolic tools and your daily life can feel abstract. Understanding Stoicism can help bridge this gap, providing practical applications for many of your Masonic principles.
Consider the Masonic emphasis on self-improvement.
You're taught to use the common gavel to chip away at the rough edges of your character. This concept aligns beautifully with the Stoic practice of self-reflection and continual moral improvement.
For example, Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, wrote in his "Meditations":
"Every night before going to sleep, we must ask ourselves:
What did I do wrong?
What did I do right?
What did I leave undone?"
This practice of daily self-examination is remarkably similar to the Masonic idea of meeting on the level and parting on the square.
How might your life change if you adopted this practice of daily reflection?
Both Stoicism and Freemasonry teach you to reflect on your actions, strive for moral improvement, and prepare for the inevitability of death.
They both use symbolism and allegory to convey deeper truths about the human condition and your place in the universe.
The Stoic acceptance of fate and focus on personal virtue echoes the Masonic teaching of circumscribing your desires and improving yourself within the bounds of your respective duties.
Both traditions emphasize the importance of wisdom, ethical behaviour, and service to others.
By studying Stoicism, you can gain new perspectives on your Masonic teachings, enriching your understanding and providing additional tools for applying these principles in your daily life.
Isn't it exciting to think about how these traditions of ancient wisdom can work together to help you become a better person?
In your quest for further light, you find that ancient wisdom and modern challenges are not so far apart. By integrating the insights of Stoicism with your Masonic teachings, you can build a more robust philosophical framework for navigating life's complexities.
By embracing the complementary wisdom of Stoicism and Freemasonry, you can become not just a better Mason, but a better person - more resilient, more virtuous, and better equipped to make a positive difference in the world.
Isn't that worth exploring further?