What are the key teachings associated with the Second Degree in Freemasonry?
The Second Degree, known as the Fellow Craft degree, emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge and the development of both intellectual and moral faculties. A central theme is the importance of education and the diligent application of one's talents. As noted in Masonic teachings, the Fellow Craft is encouraged to "improve himself in the several sciences which may tend to his improvement and advantage." This degree symbolizes the journey from ignorance to knowledge, representing the struggles of the mind in the quest for truth—both moral and intellectual.
Moreover, the Fellow Craft learns to apply reason and understanding to life's challenges, striving for wisdom and enlightenment. The teachings also highlight the value of labor, not just in a physical sense, but intellectually and spiritually, as a means of personal growth and societal contribution. The study of the liberal arts, particularly geometry, is emphasized as a vital branch of education that enriches the mind and demonstrates important truths of morality.