Should I become a Freemason?

A person should not seek to enter the institution out of mere curiosity, nor to gain financial clients, commercial advancement, or political partisans 1. Those who are religiously intolerant, or who assume that those of differing views are fools or knaves, are likewise advised to abstain 1.

Joining is suited to those who possess a love of the true and the good, respect sincere opinions of every kind, and hold a regard for old memories, custom, and historical tradition 1. Wilmshurst takes the speculative system to offer a working philosophy for those earnestly inquiring into the purpose and destiny of human life, seeking an interior doctrine to repair the sense of loss and imperfection inherent in natural human existence 3.

From a social and personal standpoint, Claudy notes that many find in the lodge an outlet for gifts and impulses that their daily occupations deny them—whether in public speaking, charitable work, or relaxed fellowship 2. It provides a sense of self-respect and equality where social and financial standing are set aside, alongside a shared reverence for what is ancient and an opportunity for men of different faiths to worship without dogma or creed 2.