Walking the Level: Jordan Peterson's Rule 4 and the Path of Freemasonry
Comparing Yourself to Who You Were Yesterday, Not to the Gilded Portraits on Social Media
Who are you today? Are you the same person you were yesterday? If you're looking at your own journey, the answer might surprise you.
If you're looking at social media or the achievements of others, the answer might discourage you.
To walk the level - a saying we Masons borrow from the stone workers of old - means to keep a steady pace, always moving forward, never wavering to the right or left.
It's a principle that's not just masonic, but universal.
In, "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos," Prof Jordan B Peterson sets forth a simple, yet profound rule:
"Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today."
The rule might sound like a soundbite from a motivational speaker, but in practice, it's as deep as any philosophical well.
How Our Own Minds Can Set Traps
Our world today, ever-connected, ever-watchful, bombards us with images and stories of success.
Social media, the town square of the digital age, is a showcase for the best and brightest moments in people's lives.
But these are mere snapshots, carefully selected and often heavily edited. They do not reveal the struggle, the heartache, and the countless small steps it took for those people to reach their shining moments.
Yet, it is human nature to compare. To look at those snapshots and feel a sting of jealousy, a sense of inadequacy.
Peterson, a clinical psychologist, sees this issue with clear eyes.
He warns us that these comparisons are not just unfair, but destructive.
hey warp our perception of self-worth, make us impatient, and distract us from our own growth.
To compare ourselves with others is to compare our raw footage with their highlight reel. It's an exercise in futility that only leaves us feeling worse.
The Path We Walk As Freemasons
At the heart of our Masonic teachings is the idea of making "good men better." But how do we achieve this? How does one become 'better'?
The answer lies not in outward comparisons, but inward reflection.
As Freemasons, we are on a lifelong journey of self-improvement.
We aim to make daily progress in acquiring masonic knowledge, to better ourselves through each degree we undertake, to take on more responsibility in our lodges, and thus to grow both morally and spiritually.
The journey through the degrees of Freemasonry is a deeply personal one, full of symbolic lessons that are unique to each brother.
It's not a competition or a race, but a slow, steady ascent toward a better understanding of ourselves and the world.
And like the level that keeps us on the straight path, we are reminded to measure our progress against who we were yesterday, not against the achievements of others.
This ethos runs deep in our Masonic traditions.
From the white apron of the Entered Apprentice, a symbol of purity and new beginnings, to the regalia of the Grand Master, we are reminded of our shared journey.
No matter how high we rise in the ranks, we all started at the same place.
We all wear the same Entered Apprentice apron.
We have all participated or will participate, in the same rites and ceremonies.
A Compass and a Guide
Jordan Peterson's Rule 4 resonates with Freemasonry because it mirrors our own Masonic beliefs and teachings.
The focus on personal growth, the value of patience, and the importance of humility - are the cornerstones of our Masonic principles.
We are warned against unfair comparisons, and distorted perceptions, and against neglecting our personal growth. Peterson echoes these warnings, urging us to focus on our own journey and the progress we are making.
We are also taught to remember that no matter our rank or station, we are all equal in the eyes of the Great Architect.
This mirrors Peterson's emphasis on self-compassion and the celebration of our achievements, no matter how small they may seem.
Applying The Lessons: A Practical Guide
We've delved deep into Jordan Peterson's Rule 4, and explored its Masonic counterparts.
Now, we turn to the practical: how can we apply these lessons in our daily lives? Here are some hands-on strategies you can use:
Craft Your Goals:
Begin by figuring out what you'd like to do better in your life. It could be your health, your skills, your knowledge, or even your character. In Freemasonry, this echoes the idea of advancing through degrees - each one a step toward greater knowledge and moral growth.Take Time to Reflect:
Each day, set aside time to ponder your actions, choices, and experiences. Consider what you did well, and where you can do better. This reflects the Masonic practice of moral and philosophical contemplation.Aim for Small Wins:
Instead of attempting grand changes all at once, aim for small, doable improvements each day. This ties in with the Masonic principle of making "daily progress in Freemasonry."Focus on Your Path:
Keep in mind that your journey is different from others. Comparing your path to theirs can distract you from your own growth. Freemasonry, too, stresses the unique nature of each Mason's journey.Practice Gratitude:
Cherish your progress and achievements, no matter how small they might seem. This helps combat feelings of not being enough and fosters a sense of contentment. It mirrors the Masonic teaching of being satisfied with one's own progress and station.Embrace Challenges:
Don't let setbacks deter you. Instead, see them as chances to learn and grow. This ties into Masonic teachings that view life's trials as a means to test and improve one's character.Limit Social Media Use:
To counter the harmful effects of comparing your life with others' polished online images, limit your time on social media. Instead, spend that time on activities that boost your personal growth and well-being (like, going to Lodge, Learning a Charge or Learning from our Masonic ceremonies)Check Your Reality:
Keep in mind that what you see on social media is often an idealised and selectively highlighted snapshot of someone's life. It's not a fair standard for comparison.Cultivate Self-Kindness:
When you don't meet your own expectations, practice understanding and forgiveness. This will help you maintain a positive outlook on your progress, and prevent you from being too hard on yourself.Seek Wisdom:
Like Freemasons who continually seek light or knowledge, foster a habit of lifelong learning. This can help you focus more on your personal growth and less on how you stack up against others.
Remember: growth and improvement are processes that take time. To bring Peterson's Rule 4 and its Masonic counterparts to life in your every day, you need patience and steady effort.
A Steady Hand on the Level
In an age where it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of social media comparisons and distorted perceptions, the teachings of Freemasonry and the wisdom of Jordan Peterson serve as a steady hand on the level.
They remind us to stay true to our path, to focus on our own journey, and to celebrate our progress.
After all, a well-crafted building is not judged by the grandeur of other structures around it, but by the strength of its foundation, the quality of its workmanship, and the integrity of its design.
Similarly, our worth is not determined by the success of others, but by our personal growth and the steps we take to become better than we were yesterday.
So, brethren, let us walk the level, focusing on our own journey, making daily progress, and becoming better versions of ourselves.
Remember, it's not about reaching the finish line first, but about becoming a stronger, wiser, more compassionate person along the way.
Let's strive not to be like someone else, but to be the best versions of ourselves.