The Great Architect's Blueprint: Masonic Lessons in Peterson's Rule 5
How our Masonic principles intersect with Jordan Peterson's wisdom on child-rearing, and what it means for the next generation of Freemasons.
Rule 5, "Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them".
This rule from Jordan Peterson’s book, "12 Rules for Life" is about giving us guidance as parents on how to raise our children.
But the lessons also apply to leadership in all forms, including Masonic & Business leadership.
Whether you are a Master of a Lodge, Director of Ceremonies, a Grand Master, a Team Leader, Manager, Director or CEO.
But to learn these lessons for ourselves, we need to change roles.
What if we think of ourselves as the children, and the Great Architect as our parent?
Peterson talks about setting rules for kids, about teaching them to behave well, so they are liked. Not just by parents, but also by their friends, teachers, and others.
Now, let's think of ourselves in the place of the children. As Masons, haven't we been given rules too? By the Great Architect, our divine parent?
Remember, we're not talking about kids anymore. We're talking about us, as adults, as Masons. Are we living in a way that would make the Great Architect like us?
Peterson's Rule 5 reminds us, parents are the first to teach kids about society. Parents show kids how to act. They set clear rules. They say, "This is good," and "That is bad."
As Masons, isn't that what we're doing? Aren't we trying to live by the rules given by the Great Architect?
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But there's more to Peterson's rule.
He says it's not just about rules. It's about praise too.
When kids do good, we should reward them. When they act well, we say, "Good job!"
Now, think about our Masonic journey. Do we feel the Great Architect's approval when we follow our Masonic principles?
Also, Peterson tells parents to keep their biases in check. As parents, our kids see us as role models. They copy our behaviour. So, we must act wisely.
Again, aren't we as Masons, doing the same?
Aren't we trying to live a life that the Great Architect would be proud of?
Now, let's talk about our Masonic principles. Let's see how they relate to Peterson's rule.
As Masons, we value honesty.
Peterson says parents should teach kids to be true to themselves and to others. Isn't that what we do? We strive to be honest and to live by the truth.Next, we believe in charity.
We help those in need. Just as Peterson says parents should reward good behaviour, we believe our acts of charity bring us closer to the Great Architect.We value knowledge.
We seek to learn and grow. Peterson encourages parents to teach their kids to love learning. As Masons, aren't we doing the same? Are we not striving to learn more, to better understand the world, and our place in it?Then there's respect for law and order.
Peterson says kids should understand and respect societal rules. As Masons, we uphold the rule of law, we respect authority.Peterson talks about teaching kids to be responsible and respectful.
As Masons, do we not strive to uphold high moral standards? To make choices that reflect our Masonic values?
As we follow these principles, we become better Masons, better people. And just like Peterson's Rule 5, we aim to be not only loved by the Great Architect but also liked.
But, Peterson's rule suggests, it's not just about following rules or being praised.
It's about living a life that makes us liked. And as Masons, that's our goal too.
It is through our actions, through living a life guided by our Masonic principles, that we hope to be Better Men and Good Masons.
And in doing so, we hope to make the Great Architect proud, build a legacy that will stand the test of time, and be a beacon of wisdom, strength, and beauty for generations to come.
As Freemasons, we are building the future. And in doing so, we are ensuring that the next generation, our children's children, can celebrate the joy and wisdom of Freemasonry.