At what point of the Masonic journey is one taught methods to acquire objective self-knowledge of oneself?
In Freemasonry, the journey towards self-knowledge begins with the first degree, the Entered Apprentice degree, where the candidate is introduced to the concept of personal growth and moral development. This degree emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the need to free oneself from ignorance and superstition, which are seen as barriers to understanding one's true self. As stated in The Lost Word Found, "the first great mile-post... is to set man free from ignorance, superstition and fear—the 'demon of the threshold.'" This liberation is essential for the candidate to begin the struggle for self-control and mastery over one's passions, which is a recurring theme throughout the degrees of Freemasonry.
As the candidate progresses to the Fellowcraft and then to the Master Mason degree, the teachings become more profound, focusing on the inner self and the quest for truth and light. The Master Mason degree particularly emphasizes the raising of one's better self and the importance of subduing the selfish aspects of one's nature. The Old Tiler in Old Tiler Talks reflects on this by stating, "The third degree... teaches me how to subdue my passions—my selfish and inconsiderate self—and to allow my better self, my Master Builder self, to rise..." Thus, the methods to acquire objective self-knowledge are woven throughout the Masonic journey, culminating in the Master Mason degree, where the initiate is encouraged to reflect deeply on their own nature and strive for personal perfection.