I read the Zippo piece and this one. They both were in my email inbox, right at the top. The Zippo piece taught me things I didn't know, this one made me think about the value of what we write. Both are worth while.
Your columns are enjoyable , vital and there are people who read them, discuss them, think about them and ponder. Especially when reading Morals and Dogma or reading Mackey from cover to cover. You're entertaining, you listen to people, you let people express themselves, you don't mind other people taking the spotlight especially during discussions, which is always the hallmark of a gentleman in my opinion. You purport yourself in public well and conduct yourself with aplomb and courtesy.
As you pointed out, people will always have opinions about your writing and there's nothing you can do to control them, that's just natural that people will like and dislike it. What matters is that you're producing it and that you like it. You often point out metaphorical elephants in the room and how to set them free so they can use the loo (a cause celebre near and dear to my own heart).
Perhaps you doubt now and then, but no fear, we are going to read as long as you're going to write. One might even see that as a nebulous social contract, if you write, we will happily read.
( In the future I would love to be a paid subscriber when my finances permit it)
Thank you Brother. I appreciate your very kind words. And worry not, I've got no intention of ever stopping, I simply wonder sometimes how much of an impact it actually has.
I read everything Masonic that you write, and share many of your essays with the brethren of my Lodge. I find your writing educational and thought provoking, and appreciate the way you put into words so many things that I believe but can't say as well as you.
Thank you very much Brother! It means more than you can know to hear that you read all of my scribblings, and that you share them with your Lodge! I truly hope that they are helpful.
Not long ago I watched an interview with Lee Child, the author of the Jack Reacher novels. I don't think I can get his quote exactly, but it went something like:
'If you wrote a book, but no one read it, you didn't write a book.'
I constantly teeter on the edge of ultimate exasperation with the Craft. While I compile and edit our Scottish Rite magazine and get ready for office next year I think about my time commitment while I still have an 8 and 14y/o at home. Many times i feel quite a bit of guilt for investing so much in an organization whose members appreciate it so little.
I ask myself what happens with the 2040 collapse. How does that affect the country, the state, the county, and the man. Will any of them notice? Will our own members even notice? Freemasonry has had such a fall from relevancy in the last 75 years many think the buildings are already empty.
I ponder on how a collection of such self-centered and self-important men were ever assembled. How did these men decide to steal what was not theirs, tear down what they didn’t build, and denigrate things they don’t understand? Worse still, how did such men get to our highest offices?
All this makes for quite a pity party. However, I also believe that with this contraction we will find a new strength and resolve. Men who take Freemasonry seriously will only bring in other men of the same mindset. Over time, leadership will become more potent and we will vote for who can best work and best agree…not for the guy who is too old but it’s “his turn.”
So I guess I’m saying that I sympathize with you, and appreciate your daily output!!
You and I do seem to share the same sadness over the current state of much of our Craft.
But, that said, I'm with you in the belief that we will find new strength and new resolve. That we will see a Craft in which the majority take it seriously and value it highly. I figure that in a way Freemasonry is like a drug addict, it needs to hit rock bottom so that it can rebuild itself. The future is bright, we've just got to get there!
Keep on writing MW Cameron. Your writing often provides me with the tools to think of mysterious and great things, topics. I really like to share your stuff in Lodge to be used as discussion starters, sometimes very differing views as well.
Thank you VW Brother. I am really pleased to have your support, and your kind words. I hope that your Lodge does benefit from some of my scribblings here!
Cameron, it is a tough comparison -Masonry vs Zippo lighters. I'll go with Masonry. You are correct that those of us peons feel a whole lot more comfortable when you publish something that might be considered a challenge than if we did. You have the Past Grand Master immunity stick. I for one appreciate your contributions. I am even keeping a digital bookshelf of your writing.
I wouldn't say that PGM's are immune exactly, but when Masonic Discipline is undertaken for the wrong reasons (and sometimes that is the case) the desire by those doing wrong is to keep it secret, in the dark, swept under the rug. That's ultimately what allows me to occasionally write something that someone else might not feel safe writing about, it wouldn't be possible to make me go quietly.
And this is a real issue. I've read essays by two extremely well known Masonic writers, from two different Jurisdictions, explaining how they were threatened with Masonic Discipline because of things they wrote.
Thanks for letting me know about your digital bookshelf! That makes me feel great!
My most valuable books are a few WV Masonic Grand Lodge Blue Books (history books). The 1968 Blue Book contains the words of my father, who was 1968 WVGM. His travels are listed, as well as all the names of the members (many the fathers of my high school classmates, and college classmates. I refer to my WV Masonic Grand Lodge Blue Books way too often.
I certainly understand as I keep a couple hard copies of our Proceedings books from my time as DGM and GM. They help me to remember all the things that I did, as memory can be fleeting.
A writer, or author, in some ways is akin to a song writer. At least in my opinion.
I have often thought about writing novels. I am a published author, but only of books related to information technology. In some ways, that is not a creative authoring endeavor such as your works or that of Mr. King.
Writing is a great way of sorting out your thoughts, and organizing your ideas into something real. Whether it's for others or yourself, it must be a satisfying thing for you to do, else you would cease and desist.
I relate it to one thing I do, play guitar. I'm not writing original material, although I did have two original songs a long time ago, and I do aspire to write more.
However, I play guitar because I enjoy it. I play guitar for me. I was in a country music band many years ago as a lead singer and rhythm guitar player. We were the house band for a veterans club for a month, as they tried out new bands.
I had a patron come up to me between sets and ask how I could stand on stage and play music while my wife danced with other men on the floor.
I told him simply that I was doing what I loved. She loved to dance. Was I supposed to have her sit at home or not dance? But I digress, it was more about doing the thing I loved.
At the same time, I came to a realization. I truly was doing it for me. The band had to remind me to go and get our pay between sets. I was just enjoying the music.
I also realized that I enjoy playing more for me, than performing for others. Sure, I'll take a guitar to a gathering and play some music if requested. But only if I want to and only the music I enjoy. You see, my brain works in strange ways. When I think of performing for others, I'm taken back to the days of kings and queens where they had court jesters or other such "entertainment". I don't like to think of myself as someone's "hired entertainer". It doesn't sit right with me.
So writing for others, or playing for others, would never be a driving factor for me. I do it for me. I suspect, you might be doing this for you, in some small way as well.
I've never been too keen on taking the time to understand the myriad of literary terms out there. I think that they exist simply to help bookstores figure out where to put things on a shelf. But, I guess what I do here would be called Creative Nonfiction.
It's cool, and a do truly enjoy it, but in the back of my mind I do always long for the Creative half of that, so like you, I've contemplated novels. I've written one that I think is quite good, but alas, the manuscript sits in my safe, I've never done anything with it. And I have another solidly in my head. It's been bouncing around in there for a few years now, just waiting to be put to paper. But, alas, while I often fantasise about being a novelist, I'm not. For whatever reason, I'm just not that keen on dumping my entire imagination out on the table for all and sundry to dissect.
But yes, you are right, ultimately I write for myself, because I love doing it, but also because I can't not do it. Sometimes the need to get whatever it is in my head out of my head becomes simply overwhelming. Saying that though, I must also have readers. My rational mind tells me that a writer without a reader has no value.
Imposter syndrome, and Dunning Kruger effect. The two sides of the coin that almost every author finds in their pocket from time to time. Pull the coin out, look at it, and toss it in the cup of the next NYT reporter that you see begging on the street corner.
>>>toss it in the cup of the next NYT reporter that you see begging on the street corner.
We certainly live in interesting media times. Traditional, small town media can thrive, as proven by the newspaper in my little city. But the business model has to be adapted to today.
Some large traditional media can thrive, as proven by the handful of huge publications that are making a go of it. But again, the business model had to be adapted to today.
What's interesting through is just how wonderfully independent media is thriving. Media isn't dying, as the traditional media types claim, it's just going independent, and how cool is that. The gatekeepers are dying, and those media types who lie and hide bias behind purported objectivity are as you mention, begging on the street corner.
Heck, I suppose Emeth is proof of it. Here's an independent Masonic publication, not subsidized by any Grand Lodge or other organization, yet profitable. To be clear, barely profitable, but profitable. How long has it been in the United States since any Masonic periodical was able to make a single cent in profit?
MWB Bailey, as a fellow Masonic writer, I like you, has had my doubts about whether my message is reaching anyone (multiple times) and has asked myself if I am wasting my time writing about Freemasonry. I will just say: No, you are not wasting your time!
Why?
Even if you have poured your heart and soul into a particular piece, felt it was useful, inspiring, and instructional, and expected multitudes to comment and share, that won’t be the case.
But what will happen is this.
Somewhere, a brother read what you wrote. Your message reached him, and he found it useful. It inspired him, taught him something, and reinforced how important Masonry is to him. He then shared it with a brother. All of this happened without you knowing.
My friend and Masonic author Dan Hrinko shared an email he received from a brother two years after Dan delivered a program on Masonic education. The brother described how the presentation inspired him to speak at his grand lodge session and at other lodges.
Dan said to me about the email, “ This is the kind of effects we can have by tossing pebbles into a pond. The effects are often delayed and far-reaching. This is what keeps me going.”
I remember this email every time I have doubts about continuing to write.
So, in Dan’s words, “keep tossing pebbles into the pond.”
It’s important for your brothers, whether you hear from them or not, and for you as well. Your writing for others keeps the Masonic flame burning within you.
Thanks for sharing this story, it is indeed inspiring to know that someone is helped, somewhere. I do imagine we all have these doubts from time to time, heck if King was still ashamed of his work into his 40's, despite all the wealth and fame that came from it, I suppose all the rest of us naturally do as well.
I have frequently found myself contemplating a fundamental question: Why do I invest such significant energy into the Craft? Specifically, why do I devote so much time to researching and writing about its symbolism, morality, framework, dogma, and history?
When it appears that many within our ranks lack interest in these deeper pursuits, it is easy to recall the parable regarding the pearls and swine (No offense intended). However, upon reflection, I have realized that my motivation is intrinsic. I do not require external validation, nor is my work performed for the approval of others. While I certainly appreciate it when a brother finds value in my efforts, that is a secondary benefit rather than the primary goal.
For me, writing is a intellectual exercise. It is a tool I use to process complex subjects and refine my own understanding. The resulting papers are simply the artifacts of that internal development and I suspect many others works are the same. Ultimately, I pursue these studies and the work for my own growth and the genuine satisfaction found in the work itself. Any thing else is vanity. IMHO
Exactly this. I was going to write something similar, that it's not just for the benefit of the readers, but yourself as well. Being able to write out your ideas, doing research, forming opinions all benefit the writer as well as the audience.
Keep up the good work. I look forward to your musing.
I actually read most of your posts; the ones I don’t read are of subjects that I don’t follow or I used to follow but no longer have interest in. And that’s okay! We’re not all clones.
But I hear the idea of what’s going on here – I feel the need to respond to every one of your posts, sometimes to put my two cents in, but the other times, to let you know that at least Someone had taken the time to read it, to encourage you to write more. Cool thing here is I can click the Like button, so you know I read it and thought it was good, but there’s still that subconscious urge to respond.
Sometimes, I want to respond with a story of my own – your story on Pink Floyd’s Richard Wright was a good commentary and reminded me of a story about my dealings with a Dark Side of the Moon 8-track, but that’s another story. I remember it well, even if it was about 35 years ago, and I could easily write a story about it. But it circles back to this topic. It takes TIME to type out that story. Is it worth it to put that story out there? Will it be of any benefit to anybody? Who actually gives a crap about my stupid story? These things rattle around in your mind, and then you look at the time and effort it takes to make the story and look at the Return on Investment and say nah, I might tell the story in a bar somewhere, but it takes a lot less effort to tell a buddy than typing the damn thing out.
To be fair, I like writing and remembering about life experiences I've had over my 65+ years of existence. I even spent the time (years) to write about my time in the Air Force. I wrote it mainly for my daughter so she can share it with my grandkids, but also because I've got a lot of stories about my time in the service that I find entertaining enough that folks may want to read about. This was all spurred by my maternal grandmother, who wrote her own story, which was eye opening. She led a very interesting life as a child immigrant whose mom and dad homesteaded up in upper british columbia. Unfortunately for her (and her grand kids) she started too late, and only shared a small part of her life, her childhood to when she got married to my grandfather. But there was a huge vein of gold in her life story after that which never made it to paper. She was an amazing woman who lived a full life.
So, it doesn't bother me if no one reads my stuff, that's ok. I would write it anyway. I don't push for subscribers, and rarely insert subscribe buttons in my articles.
Finally, I enjoy reading your comments, and yeah, writing stories takes time but I don't consider it a chore.
I've often wished that my paternal ancestors had written parts of their story down. It has been a strong family, and those stories would have been extremely interesting. But alas, no one did, so I'm left with only what my grandfather remembered and passed down to me.
"Absolutely. I also wish I had recorded or written down both of my grandfathers' stories. One grandfather was an OX5 member, a barnstormer, a mechanic, and an aerial acrobat who trained Navy and Army pilots for WWII. He was a photographer. My other grandfather grew up dirt poor on a farm, traveled, owned restaurants and a ranch in Texas, and once drove across America, only to be robbed and forced to start over. These are all stories I only vaguely remember now."
I do have a story about my great grandfather as a young man, but I came to it by accident. In the 1930's there was a fellow who lived in our little town and apparently he was widely regarded as nuts. But, around that time, he wrote and self published a memoir, and one of the stories in it was about my great grandfather.
You could come with us to the Tower. Lots of folks to tell stories to there! Today I had to go twice. Wandered in for a wee bit of lunch, discovered the dinner special, so had to return this evening for two dinners to go!
Thanks Brother. I do agree, 100%, writing refines thinking. It orders thinking, and as such helps us achieve knowledge and hopefully some measure of wisdom.
Keep writing, MW Sir! Your words may be unappreciated by many, but maybe they inspire a few of us, perhaps to great things or profound introspection – and that’s the point I think. Paraphrased from the Scottish Rite Remembrance and Renewal Ceremony, if you have inspired one for good, then you have done well.
America today does not appreciate, and maybe has rarely appreciated the intellectual class – except during the occasional crisis. Classical literature, music, a liberal arts education – once a requirement of an educated man, seem anachronistic if not irrelevant today. Our Masonic degrees and literature contain many appropriate references and admonitions to elevating ourselves – through study and work. Yet, woefully too few Brothers are willing to do the study and work to perpetuate their Lodge. Proficiency in the Funeral service or Degree Lectures, serving as Lodge Historian, compiling and writing a monthly newsletter are just a few examples of where many lodges fall short. And there isn’t much ‘official’ Masonic appreciation for a Brother taking on a task, outside of self-satisfaction, an occasional thanks, and a plea to do the job for life because nobody else will do it.
Yet I remain hopeful and thankful. From the G Lecture, we are reminded that even if the all the Temples are demolished, Masonry will survive. Because of writers and story-tellers, their blogs and discussions will inspire those who care.
Thank you Brother, I truly appreciate your kind words.
You mention a lack of recognition in our Craft, and I find that to be true. In our Jurisdiction a Lodge can give a Hiram Award, and the Grand Master can give an Achievement Award in each District, but that's pretty much it. A lot of Brothers who make pretty significant contributions go unrecognized. I think that we could do a lot better with that, and I hope that someday we do.
I read the Zippo piece and this one. They both were in my email inbox, right at the top. The Zippo piece taught me things I didn't know, this one made me think about the value of what we write. Both are worth while.
Thank you Brother! I'm glad that you enjoyed both of them.
Feedback:
Brother..
Your columns are enjoyable , vital and there are people who read them, discuss them, think about them and ponder. Especially when reading Morals and Dogma or reading Mackey from cover to cover. You're entertaining, you listen to people, you let people express themselves, you don't mind other people taking the spotlight especially during discussions, which is always the hallmark of a gentleman in my opinion. You purport yourself in public well and conduct yourself with aplomb and courtesy.
As you pointed out, people will always have opinions about your writing and there's nothing you can do to control them, that's just natural that people will like and dislike it. What matters is that you're producing it and that you like it. You often point out metaphorical elephants in the room and how to set them free so they can use the loo (a cause celebre near and dear to my own heart).
Perhaps you doubt now and then, but no fear, we are going to read as long as you're going to write. One might even see that as a nebulous social contract, if you write, we will happily read.
( In the future I would love to be a paid subscriber when my finances permit it)
Please keep creating such interesting content
We appreciate you.
Thank you Brother. I appreciate your very kind words. And worry not, I've got no intention of ever stopping, I simply wonder sometimes how much of an impact it actually has.
I read everything Masonic that you write, and share many of your essays with the brethren of my Lodge. I find your writing educational and thought provoking, and appreciate the way you put into words so many things that I believe but can't say as well as you.
Thank you very much Brother! It means more than you can know to hear that you read all of my scribblings, and that you share them with your Lodge! I truly hope that they are helpful.
Not long ago I watched an interview with Lee Child, the author of the Jack Reacher novels. I don't think I can get his quote exactly, but it went something like:
'If you wrote a book, but no one read it, you didn't write a book.'
I constantly teeter on the edge of ultimate exasperation with the Craft. While I compile and edit our Scottish Rite magazine and get ready for office next year I think about my time commitment while I still have an 8 and 14y/o at home. Many times i feel quite a bit of guilt for investing so much in an organization whose members appreciate it so little.
I ask myself what happens with the 2040 collapse. How does that affect the country, the state, the county, and the man. Will any of them notice? Will our own members even notice? Freemasonry has had such a fall from relevancy in the last 75 years many think the buildings are already empty.
I ponder on how a collection of such self-centered and self-important men were ever assembled. How did these men decide to steal what was not theirs, tear down what they didn’t build, and denigrate things they don’t understand? Worse still, how did such men get to our highest offices?
All this makes for quite a pity party. However, I also believe that with this contraction we will find a new strength and resolve. Men who take Freemasonry seriously will only bring in other men of the same mindset. Over time, leadership will become more potent and we will vote for who can best work and best agree…not for the guy who is too old but it’s “his turn.”
So I guess I’m saying that I sympathize with you, and appreciate your daily output!!
Lucas, I hear you Brother. Let's talk about how I can help you make Arkansas Freemasonry better next year.
You and I do seem to share the same sadness over the current state of much of our Craft.
But, that said, I'm with you in the belief that we will find new strength and new resolve. That we will see a Craft in which the majority take it seriously and value it highly. I figure that in a way Freemasonry is like a drug addict, it needs to hit rock bottom so that it can rebuild itself. The future is bright, we've just got to get there!
Keep on writing MW Cameron. Your writing often provides me with the tools to think of mysterious and great things, topics. I really like to share your stuff in Lodge to be used as discussion starters, sometimes very differing views as well.
Thank you VW Brother. I am really pleased to have your support, and your kind words. I hope that your Lodge does benefit from some of my scribblings here!
Cameron, it is a tough comparison -Masonry vs Zippo lighters. I'll go with Masonry. You are correct that those of us peons feel a whole lot more comfortable when you publish something that might be considered a challenge than if we did. You have the Past Grand Master immunity stick. I for one appreciate your contributions. I am even keeping a digital bookshelf of your writing.
I wouldn't say that PGM's are immune exactly, but when Masonic Discipline is undertaken for the wrong reasons (and sometimes that is the case) the desire by those doing wrong is to keep it secret, in the dark, swept under the rug. That's ultimately what allows me to occasionally write something that someone else might not feel safe writing about, it wouldn't be possible to make me go quietly.
And this is a real issue. I've read essays by two extremely well known Masonic writers, from two different Jurisdictions, explaining how they were threatened with Masonic Discipline because of things they wrote.
Thanks for letting me know about your digital bookshelf! That makes me feel great!
MWPGM Bailey,
My most valuable books are a few WV Masonic Grand Lodge Blue Books (history books). The 1968 Blue Book contains the words of my father, who was 1968 WVGM. His travels are listed, as well as all the names of the members (many the fathers of my high school classmates, and college classmates. I refer to my WV Masonic Grand Lodge Blue Books way too often.
I certainly understand as I keep a couple hard copies of our Proceedings books from my time as DGM and GM. They help me to remember all the things that I did, as memory can be fleeting.
A writer, or author, in some ways is akin to a song writer. At least in my opinion.
I have often thought about writing novels. I am a published author, but only of books related to information technology. In some ways, that is not a creative authoring endeavor such as your works or that of Mr. King.
Writing is a great way of sorting out your thoughts, and organizing your ideas into something real. Whether it's for others or yourself, it must be a satisfying thing for you to do, else you would cease and desist.
I relate it to one thing I do, play guitar. I'm not writing original material, although I did have two original songs a long time ago, and I do aspire to write more.
However, I play guitar because I enjoy it. I play guitar for me. I was in a country music band many years ago as a lead singer and rhythm guitar player. We were the house band for a veterans club for a month, as they tried out new bands.
I had a patron come up to me between sets and ask how I could stand on stage and play music while my wife danced with other men on the floor.
I told him simply that I was doing what I loved. She loved to dance. Was I supposed to have her sit at home or not dance? But I digress, it was more about doing the thing I loved.
At the same time, I came to a realization. I truly was doing it for me. The band had to remind me to go and get our pay between sets. I was just enjoying the music.
I also realized that I enjoy playing more for me, than performing for others. Sure, I'll take a guitar to a gathering and play some music if requested. But only if I want to and only the music I enjoy. You see, my brain works in strange ways. When I think of performing for others, I'm taken back to the days of kings and queens where they had court jesters or other such "entertainment". I don't like to think of myself as someone's "hired entertainer". It doesn't sit right with me.
So writing for others, or playing for others, would never be a driving factor for me. I do it for me. I suspect, you might be doing this for you, in some small way as well.
I've never been too keen on taking the time to understand the myriad of literary terms out there. I think that they exist simply to help bookstores figure out where to put things on a shelf. But, I guess what I do here would be called Creative Nonfiction.
It's cool, and a do truly enjoy it, but in the back of my mind I do always long for the Creative half of that, so like you, I've contemplated novels. I've written one that I think is quite good, but alas, the manuscript sits in my safe, I've never done anything with it. And I have another solidly in my head. It's been bouncing around in there for a few years now, just waiting to be put to paper. But, alas, while I often fantasise about being a novelist, I'm not. For whatever reason, I'm just not that keen on dumping my entire imagination out on the table for all and sundry to dissect.
But yes, you are right, ultimately I write for myself, because I love doing it, but also because I can't not do it. Sometimes the need to get whatever it is in my head out of my head becomes simply overwhelming. Saying that though, I must also have readers. My rational mind tells me that a writer without a reader has no value.
Just as an aside, I'd like to mention that there is much wisdom here, I think:
>>>I had a patron come up to me between sets and ask how I could stand on stage and play >>>music while my wife danced with other men on the floor.
>>>I told him simply that I was doing what I loved. She loved to dance. Was I supposed to >>>have her sit at home or not dance?
Imposter syndrome, and Dunning Kruger effect. The two sides of the coin that almost every author finds in their pocket from time to time. Pull the coin out, look at it, and toss it in the cup of the next NYT reporter that you see begging on the street corner.
>>>toss it in the cup of the next NYT reporter that you see begging on the street corner.
We certainly live in interesting media times. Traditional, small town media can thrive, as proven by the newspaper in my little city. But the business model has to be adapted to today.
Some large traditional media can thrive, as proven by the handful of huge publications that are making a go of it. But again, the business model had to be adapted to today.
What's interesting through is just how wonderfully independent media is thriving. Media isn't dying, as the traditional media types claim, it's just going independent, and how cool is that. The gatekeepers are dying, and those media types who lie and hide bias behind purported objectivity are as you mention, begging on the street corner.
Heck, I suppose Emeth is proof of it. Here's an independent Masonic publication, not subsidized by any Grand Lodge or other organization, yet profitable. To be clear, barely profitable, but profitable. How long has it been in the United States since any Masonic periodical was able to make a single cent in profit?
I don't know, but long before my time.
I think maybe since before Mackey's time.
MWB Bailey, as a fellow Masonic writer, I like you, has had my doubts about whether my message is reaching anyone (multiple times) and has asked myself if I am wasting my time writing about Freemasonry. I will just say: No, you are not wasting your time!
Why?
Even if you have poured your heart and soul into a particular piece, felt it was useful, inspiring, and instructional, and expected multitudes to comment and share, that won’t be the case.
But what will happen is this.
Somewhere, a brother read what you wrote. Your message reached him, and he found it useful. It inspired him, taught him something, and reinforced how important Masonry is to him. He then shared it with a brother. All of this happened without you knowing.
My friend and Masonic author Dan Hrinko shared an email he received from a brother two years after Dan delivered a program on Masonic education. The brother described how the presentation inspired him to speak at his grand lodge session and at other lodges.
Dan said to me about the email, “ This is the kind of effects we can have by tossing pebbles into a pond. The effects are often delayed and far-reaching. This is what keeps me going.”
I remember this email every time I have doubts about continuing to write.
So, in Dan’s words, “keep tossing pebbles into the pond.”
It’s important for your brothers, whether you hear from them or not, and for you as well. Your writing for others keeps the Masonic flame burning within you.
Fraternally, Mike
Thanks for sharing this story, it is indeed inspiring to know that someone is helped, somewhere. I do imagine we all have these doubts from time to time, heck if King was still ashamed of his work into his 40's, despite all the wealth and fame that came from it, I suppose all the rest of us naturally do as well.
I have frequently found myself contemplating a fundamental question: Why do I invest such significant energy into the Craft? Specifically, why do I devote so much time to researching and writing about its symbolism, morality, framework, dogma, and history?
When it appears that many within our ranks lack interest in these deeper pursuits, it is easy to recall the parable regarding the pearls and swine (No offense intended). However, upon reflection, I have realized that my motivation is intrinsic. I do not require external validation, nor is my work performed for the approval of others. While I certainly appreciate it when a brother finds value in my efforts, that is a secondary benefit rather than the primary goal.
For me, writing is a intellectual exercise. It is a tool I use to process complex subjects and refine my own understanding. The resulting papers are simply the artifacts of that internal development and I suspect many others works are the same. Ultimately, I pursue these studies and the work for my own growth and the genuine satisfaction found in the work itself. Any thing else is vanity. IMHO
Exactly this. I was going to write something similar, that it's not just for the benefit of the readers, but yourself as well. Being able to write out your ideas, doing research, forming opinions all benefit the writer as well as the audience.
Keep up the good work. I look forward to your musing.
And the same goes for you, Brother Glenn.
I actually read most of your posts; the ones I don’t read are of subjects that I don’t follow or I used to follow but no longer have interest in. And that’s okay! We’re not all clones.
But I hear the idea of what’s going on here – I feel the need to respond to every one of your posts, sometimes to put my two cents in, but the other times, to let you know that at least Someone had taken the time to read it, to encourage you to write more. Cool thing here is I can click the Like button, so you know I read it and thought it was good, but there’s still that subconscious urge to respond.
Sometimes, I want to respond with a story of my own – your story on Pink Floyd’s Richard Wright was a good commentary and reminded me of a story about my dealings with a Dark Side of the Moon 8-track, but that’s another story. I remember it well, even if it was about 35 years ago, and I could easily write a story about it. But it circles back to this topic. It takes TIME to type out that story. Is it worth it to put that story out there? Will it be of any benefit to anybody? Who actually gives a crap about my stupid story? These things rattle around in your mind, and then you look at the time and effort it takes to make the story and look at the Return on Investment and say nah, I might tell the story in a bar somewhere, but it takes a lot less effort to tell a buddy than typing the damn thing out.
Thanks Clayton!
To be fair, I like writing and remembering about life experiences I've had over my 65+ years of existence. I even spent the time (years) to write about my time in the Air Force. I wrote it mainly for my daughter so she can share it with my grandkids, but also because I've got a lot of stories about my time in the service that I find entertaining enough that folks may want to read about. This was all spurred by my maternal grandmother, who wrote her own story, which was eye opening. She led a very interesting life as a child immigrant whose mom and dad homesteaded up in upper british columbia. Unfortunately for her (and her grand kids) she started too late, and only shared a small part of her life, her childhood to when she got married to my grandfather. But there was a huge vein of gold in her life story after that which never made it to paper. She was an amazing woman who lived a full life.
So, it doesn't bother me if no one reads my stuff, that's ok. I would write it anyway. I don't push for subscribers, and rarely insert subscribe buttons in my articles.
Finally, I enjoy reading your comments, and yeah, writing stories takes time but I don't consider it a chore.
I've often wished that my paternal ancestors had written parts of their story down. It has been a strong family, and those stories would have been extremely interesting. But alas, no one did, so I'm left with only what my grandfather remembered and passed down to me.
"Absolutely. I also wish I had recorded or written down both of my grandfathers' stories. One grandfather was an OX5 member, a barnstormer, a mechanic, and an aerial acrobat who trained Navy and Army pilots for WWII. He was a photographer. My other grandfather grew up dirt poor on a farm, traveled, owned restaurants and a ranch in Texas, and once drove across America, only to be robbed and forced to start over. These are all stories I only vaguely remember now."
I do have a story about my great grandfather as a young man, but I came to it by accident. In the 1930's there was a fellow who lived in our little town and apparently he was widely regarded as nuts. But, around that time, he wrote and self published a memoir, and one of the stories in it was about my great grandfather.
You could come with us to the Tower. Lots of folks to tell stories to there! Today I had to go twice. Wandered in for a wee bit of lunch, discovered the dinner special, so had to return this evening for two dinners to go!
True, but many of them, including the owner, also come into our shop. So chances are they've already heard the stories...
Thank you Glenn, and know that I always enjoy reading your work as well!
Thanks Brother. I do agree, 100%, writing refines thinking. It orders thinking, and as such helps us achieve knowledge and hopefully some measure of wisdom.
Writing is the alchemy that turns discovery and knowledge in to wisdom.
Keep writing, MW Sir! Your words may be unappreciated by many, but maybe they inspire a few of us, perhaps to great things or profound introspection – and that’s the point I think. Paraphrased from the Scottish Rite Remembrance and Renewal Ceremony, if you have inspired one for good, then you have done well.
America today does not appreciate, and maybe has rarely appreciated the intellectual class – except during the occasional crisis. Classical literature, music, a liberal arts education – once a requirement of an educated man, seem anachronistic if not irrelevant today. Our Masonic degrees and literature contain many appropriate references and admonitions to elevating ourselves – through study and work. Yet, woefully too few Brothers are willing to do the study and work to perpetuate their Lodge. Proficiency in the Funeral service or Degree Lectures, serving as Lodge Historian, compiling and writing a monthly newsletter are just a few examples of where many lodges fall short. And there isn’t much ‘official’ Masonic appreciation for a Brother taking on a task, outside of self-satisfaction, an occasional thanks, and a plea to do the job for life because nobody else will do it.
Yet I remain hopeful and thankful. From the G Lecture, we are reminded that even if the all the Temples are demolished, Masonry will survive. Because of writers and story-tellers, their blogs and discussions will inspire those who care.
Thank you Brother, I truly appreciate your kind words.
You mention a lack of recognition in our Craft, and I find that to be true. In our Jurisdiction a Lodge can give a Hiram Award, and the Grand Master can give an Achievement Award in each District, but that's pretty much it. A lot of Brothers who make pretty significant contributions go unrecognized. I think that we could do a lot better with that, and I hope that someday we do.
Great article. And writing ;)