How did the Enlightenment influence Freemasonry?

How did the Enlightenment influence Freemasonry?

The Enlightenment had a profound impact on Freemasonry, shaping its ideals and practices significantly. This period emphasized reason, individualism, and the pursuit of knowledge, which resonated deeply with Masonic principles. As noted by Albert Mackey in his *Encyclopedia of Freemasonry*, Enlightenment thinkers advocated for tolerance and universal brotherhood—concepts that are central to Masonic teachings. The focus on self-improvement and character development during the Enlightenment parallels the Masonic rituals aimed at refining the individual.

Moreover, the Enlightenment's challenge to traditional authority fostered a more open and intellectual approach to spirituality and morality, aligning with Freemasonry's non-sectarian and philosophical foundations. This intellectual climate not only encouraged the growth of Freemasonry but also facilitated its spread across Europe and the Americas, as it became a vehicle for civic responsibility and social reform, embodying the ideals of enlightenment in practical terms【4:0†source】.