Does Freemasonry profess that knowledge is not power and that true light comes when one completely understands the limitation and futility of knowledge and completely negates it?
Freemasonry, as articulated by Albert Pike in Morals and Dogma, emphasizes that while knowledge can be convertible into power, it is not power in itself. Pike states, 'Knowledge itself is not Power. Wisdom is Power; and her Prime Minister is JUSTICE which is the perfected law of TRUTH.' This indicates that the true aim of education and knowledge within Freemasonry is to cultivate wisdom rather than merely accumulate facts. He further elaborates that 'If knowledge does not make him so it is wasted like water poured on the sands.' Thus, the pursuit of knowledge should lead to wisdom and understanding, rather than a mere collection of information.
Moreover, Pike discusses the limitations of human understanding, asserting that 'Perfect truth is not attainable anywhere.' He encourages a continual search for truth, recognizing that while absolute truth may be beyond reach, the journey towards it is essential. Therefore, Freemasonry does not advocate for the complete negation of knowledge but rather for the understanding of its limitations and the pursuit of wisdom as the ultimate goal.