First and foremost, each man who wants to find out more about Masonry, needs to know how to fill out a Petition (that is considered for what he says in his handwriting)! Then he is somewhat investigated by a few Masonic Brothers, to see if he might truly have enough to pay a membership fee, and not damage his other obligations (like a family)? After becoming an EA, his ability to memorize Obligations and repeat them back aloud in front of a Lodge is evaluated. So a reasonable level of intelligence is necessary to advance as a Mason, Correct?
I do agree that a certain level of mental strength is required to be a Mason, for the reasons you mention. But, not literacy of course, for the work can be (and for a very long time was, and still is in some places) learned mouth to ear.
I think though that it is a level of commitment as well. A man whose mind is somehow wired to memorize easier will have an easier time of it. Whereas a man whose mind makes it difficult to memorize will have a harder time of it. Then it comes down to commitment.
I don't think that Masonry takes above average intelligence, but I do think that (done properly) it takes above average commitment if one is to learn the work, and fulfil all the other responsibilities. For some more commitment than others.
I also think we need to honor men's, and Mason's contributions based on their abilities. A super smart guy has a broader potential field in which to do good, but that in no way lessens the importance of the fellow who has a smaller potential field, yet brightens the field he has for all within it.
Ultimately, diversity is, in my view, a great benefit of our Craft. We should remain a welcoming home for any good man of goodwill who seeks our fellowship and is willing to live his life according to our obligations.
"Do we, as Masons, hold a fundamentally different perspective from the average?"
Our Closing Charge tells us, "These generous principles extend further, for every human being has a claim upon your kind offices."
So why ask such a question in such a way that it insinuates a "higher than thou" stance. We are on the Level, in and out of Lodge. Economics aside.
I'm a huge Jefferson fan, less us sharing a first name (Thomas is a great name -- don't forget it), but I also agree with his ideologies. Hamilton was wrong. Economics of scale inevitably lead to collapse of societies. I'm not a Marxist either -- ownership abolished is worse than Capitalism. Trickle down hasn't worked, though.
Individualism and autonomy will be what wins this next window of society. We, as Freemasons, should stand to and abide by our Obligations and never present ourselves as better than, or above, lest we perpetuate the generalist belief of the Fraternity.
To my mind, it is a value judgement. The man who has the potential to make the lives around him better, and does so, is a better man than one who has the potential to do so but does not. That's my thinking anyway.
That said... Undoubtedly, often due to circumstances outside of their control, many do not actually have that potential, due to the demands for survival placed upon their shoulders. Pike writes quite eloquently about this, and those words have stuck with me for as long as I've been a Mason. So, any value judgement in my mind does not extend that far.
The question, to my mind, is if Masons specifically (and others, Rotarians, Lions, &c) hold a different perspective from those who do not feel a pull to give of themselves or their resources.
I don't feel that I actually know, hence the question.
And of course I wonder about the 'why' implied in the question, if indeed that different perspective exists.
I agree completely re: Jefferson/Hamilton. And re: Marxism.
Unrestrained crony capitalism (I think that's what we largely have now, and what Hamilton largely pushed) is creating far too wide of gap between people, and leaving far too many people without. We need to address that as a society, and of course we have done so in the past when excesses grew too large. Teddy Roosevelt with his 'Trust Busting' stands as one clear example.
I think that captured/cronyist capitalism and socialism are in equal measures dangerous for similar reasons. I do not think that todays capitalism is what the founding fathers intended when drafting the frameworks for all that followed.
I do not know if Masons or any other fraternal order are more likely to align with social values or benefits, though I think many seek them out for what they promote. Much like others pursue nonprofit careers, or social benefit organizations. Some focus on accumulating and delivering resources, and others provide aid and support.
I think that collectively as a species we have been shortsighted. Which has led to squandering resources and creating shortages and hardship. If we look to the future and the manner in which we treat each other, seeking to create the best version of tomorrow possible, we might start finding a middle path, and a new way forward.
I strongly agree that crony capitalism is largely what we have today, and that it is harmful as you say. I also have to agree that it is not what (most of) the founders intended. I'm not so sure about Hamilton though, as is well documented, he had close buddies getting rich off his policies while Treasury Secretary. Perhaps that was unintended by him during the creation of complex economic institutions and systems, or perhaps he was seeking to create an elite class within the country as was frequently charged by some other founders at the time. Either way, it is certainly interesting.
Unfortunately a persons capacity for greatness is all too often equally matched by the propensity for evil or corruption. History is unfortunately littered with them.
If you want to know a persons true nature, give them power.
When my kids were 4 years old, they went to a daycare/pre-school. There was a requirement to volunteer a minimum number of hours in the classroom or pay a nominal amount if you were unable or unwilling to give your time. I wasn’t a Mason at this time in my life but had learned early on in my childhood that volunteering was important. I’ve given of my time for more than 40 years, and usually that has also come with giving of my money. Giving of time usually means giving of finances whether it’s some piece of equipment or what not to complete a project or pizzas to create connections. Giving just monetarily can be satisfying but it’s not the same. Becoming a Mason fit in with my giving nature and I enjoy the fellowship and community that comes from working together toward a common goal.
My granddaughter's private school is like that. Some certain number of hours are required of the parents. I was unaware of such requirements until she enrolled in kindergarten (my own private school as a kid didn't do that) but I think it is a really good thing. It helps the parents to see with their own eyes what's happening, at least a bit, and it exposes kids, at least a bit, to a diverse set of people.
I picked up the volunteering at a young age too. Through Scouting primarily. Not as a young Scout or in Cub Scouts, I don't remember it being emphasized there much if at all, but as an older Scout it became more and more stressed. Of course us Scouts had no money to give to speak of, but we had time, and we had lots and lots of energy.
My family did baseball. Our family vacations consisted of traveling to a baseball tournament somewhere. My dad was very involved and that led me to my path of coaching and volunteering.
I fear that I lacked any aptitude whatsoever in any and all sports. I can't seem to hit a ball, catch a ball, or hold any other essential qualification for success.
Ultimately though, my parents thought that extracurricular things were important, so as it wasn't sports, it was something else, in my case Scouting and FFA.
I don't know. I can only say my perspective, which is that money is a tool. Like any other tool, it allows you to do things that you could not otherwise do, or do them much faster and or easier. Of itself, it has no meaning, it's what you can get, or get done with it, that matters.
I tend to look at it similarly. As a tool. And life is undoubtedly easier now that I am older and have more available. Life is also easier now that I'm older and smarter. (Although I still have lots of room for improvement on that front!) But I've not ever looked towards hoarding it somehow. I find that I always think of it like a river, it flows out, but it flows in too, sometimes more, sometimes less, but the river doesn't have a dam holding it back.
When it is impressed upon a man that "poor and penniless" he entered this world and so too shall he depart, the talk of money and markets has less meaning than performing joyous deeds in the name of our Creator.
One of my grandfathers always used to say that when he died he wanted it to be a massive heart attack. Here one minute, gone the next.
It never seems to work out that way for us. In my family (and my wife's family) we seem to linger, dying slowly. So, I've spend a lot of time with family members going through that process. That, I suppose, has naturally led me to thinking about my own time when it inevitably comes.
I don't imagine that anyone, on their deathbed, thinks that the amount of cash in their investment accounts is of much importance at all. Rather, I think that at that time what is important are some of the things experienced in this life, and the relationships built. Those are ultimately (I think) what gives life meaning.
Or not, if we lack meaningful relationships, and if we regret what we didn't push ourselves to experience.
Masonry has certainly changed the way I see money. For example, the way I hire employees. Often times - large fortune X companies go through tremendous times of hiring and layoffs. Because of the way Masonry has taught me to circumscribe not only my passions, but the rest of my life as well - I hire and layoff very intentionally. My hiring is always out of great need, with an intentional view for the role and its longevity. I don't hire in the temporary, I hire with a mind for how this role will change and employees life and set them on a course for success. I hire for work ethic and integrity. Skill can be taught. Skill can be grown. But that _drive_ and responsibility is something I look for out of the gate.
I'd rather do a lot with a good few than to hire and fire with the change of the wind. I think bringing that stability and consistency is one way I approach management but also finance in general.
Thanks for sharing this perspective. Many years ago I was in a position to hire and fire, but that was prior to my becoming a Mason. I've not really been in that position since I petitioned our Craft (beyond occasional temporary positions) so I haven't ever considered if or how or why my Masonic involvement could effect my decision-making in that area. You've given me something to think about.
I believe that there is a lot of truth to what you write here. A small team of good, committed people can ultimately be more effective than a larger group with people causing more difficulties than getting whatever it is done.
I find that through time I have come to view currency and resources as a representation of the energy, time, and effort that it took to achieve them. I take a similar approach to the act of expending them, ensuring that how I spend them aligns with the type of future I would like for those to follow.
Brother Franklin cautioned to avoid extremes in the "13 Virtues". I imagine we require both the ability to build and grow resources using our creator imbued talents, and the willingness to deploy those resources where they are most effective, and needed.
The story of three servants comes to mind. One gambling them away, another squandering them, with the third employing good stewardship to generate a positive return who was in kind richly rewarded.
>>>I take a similar approach to the act of expending them, ensuring that how I spend them >>>aligns with the type of future I would like for those to follow.
There is much wisdom in this I think. Thank you Brother!
“I have to wonder if, similarly, Masons have a different view of money than the average man? If holding it is less important to the average Mason than the average man? If a Mason is more likely to give it to someone in need?”
The Rite of Destitution in the EA Degree may explain that.
On the more practical side, in my experience, Masons tend to be financially illiterate and consequently make poor decisions. Giving generously to others while the building crumbles; making investment decisions contrary to what the professional advisors recommend; and simply not keeping dues and fees current with the present day all spell disaster.
>>>in my experience, Masons tend to be financially illiterate and consequently make poor >>>decisions. Giving generously to others while the building crumbles; making investment >>>decisions contrary to what the professional advisors recommend; and simply not >>>keeping dues and fees current with the present day all spell disaster.
Your point is extremely well taken.
We do seem, in far too many cases, to shoot ourselves in the foot at every opportunity when it comes to Lodge finances.
I remember where I was at an appendant body meeting with MW Charles Wood. He had just taken that Chapter’s money and invested it, forming the budget method that has worked quite well for many non-profits. During the meeting, the Secretary said, “Okay, this month we have $107,000. But last month we had $103,000 and the month before that it was $105,000. Can’t they make up their minds???” I started snickering and I looked over at the WoodMan. He was just shaking his head. I did try to explain things to them later that week, but it was like teaching trigonometry to grade schoolers. They couldn’t grasp the concepts, but like grade schoolers, there’s hope that they’ll get it in the future.
"...making investment decisions contrary to what the professional advisors recommend..." I totally understand this one.
One time we had our financial planner actually come to visit us at our Lodge building. "You want to keep your investments conservative... but you want to invest in gold..." She thought we were nuts. Turned out there were a couple of Brothers who watched just a few too many Birch Gold Group commercials who showed up at the investment meeting. "You just paid money to that Planner to invest our money. Where did that money go, Brother? Where?" That was another member who thought we were nuts to pay a planner to invest our money and wanted to take all of our investment money and put it into real estate.
Eventually those Brothers who wanted to invest the money as if it were their own fell by the wayside. There is something called Fiduciary responsibility. We are investing money that does not belong to us as individuals. It's the LODGE'S money. We need to be responsible with it. Fortunately, there are now two of us on the investment account, and it's working quite well. We will have to get a couple of our newer members on board with what we are doing and add at least one more member, as one of us two is in our late 80's.
MW, I'm late to the thread but I'm nonetheless compelled to comment.
Q: "Is lending a hand and doing good for others, having a positive impact in the world, whether large or small, more important to the average Mason than it is to the average man?"
A: No.
As a Fraternity we do ourselves I great disservice at the mere suggestion that we're somehow more enlightened, caring, charitable, or in any way better than non-Masons. I'm very proud of what I've done as Master of my Lodge, as a Disttrict Deputy, and in connection with many other Masonic endeavors. And did all of this without any expectation of compensation. But on my best day I take a distant back seat to my younger brother who is the fire chief for a volunteer fire company in Pennsylvania.
Volunteer fire companies are merely one stark example of doing good for the sake of good. We don't have to look much further for many more examples of uncompensated people performing good acts. And if we extend the net a little further to the undercompensated relative to the good they impart we'll lose count of them.
There are good people everywhere, many of them non-Masons and a good many of them better than the best Mason we can find. Few if any enjoy lavish lifestiles as a result of their good works. The good ones are never in it for the money.
I appreciate this perspective, and undoubtedly the question could be framed to include those involved in all service/helping endeavors and groups. I don't doubt that all such folks share a similar way of thinking about what is truly important.
But, I imagine that most of us know people who have the means to provide service (in whatever way) yet do nothing. I know at least a handful of people like that. People with the ability, but without the will. Contemplating that, I have to wonder if those folks hold a radically different perspective than others.
That said, I don't deny that some lack the ability to be of service, to help, but some do, and don't.
As an aside, when we were in high school my little brother stopped breathing while we were in extremely rural Eastern Washington. I remember him turning blue. Volunteer paramedics responded quickly and saved his life. Undoubtedly folks who do that work make a massive difference in people's lives. The doctors never did figure out why what happened to him occured, but luckily it has never re-occurred.
You're right, some can help and choose not to. But I'm cautious about the difference between being able to help and the appearance of being able to help. It's not my judgement to make. Did they make bad financial decisions and are swimming in debt that no one else can see? Are they preserving their financial reserves for a chronically ill family member who will need financial support? Such struggles can be a special kind of hell. At the same time a different kind of hell is the forfieted richening of the soul of the one who doesn't offer the help he is otherwise able to provide.
Before we discuss, debate, and analyse what are the requirement or attributes of a good mason ... or what at least we believe they should be ...
I think we need to ask a more fundamental quesiton ...
WHY did our members join in the first place ... and why did they remain masons ...active or inactive ?
While it would be "oh -so -nice" if everyone was of totally common mind in this regard ...
Realistically that is not the case ...
I know brothers who have joined for reasons as diverse as ...
Seeking to get into an actual craft where there was a masonic lodge mostly dedicated to that career craft (high volage electrican or mariner or actor ...or whatever)
Seeking to get a good discount at the golf club ...
Seeking an excuse to find a way out of the wife's eyeball ... and an excuse that she would accept to see him disappear weeking ... to a dinner and poker game (guys night nout)
Seeking to make trust relationships to find investors
Just plain lonely and needing companionship
Thouight the old language was cool and the old archaic traditions "pretty cool" so wanted to do that ... basically participatory theatre ...
Folks who just thought the old archiecture of our older buildings was "a pretty cool place to hang out"
Guys who just needed a regular meal that was not mcdonalds ... (yes i met such a very active member) ... he visits a lot of lodges ... mostly those that have good food ...
.....
SO ...
lets remember that we are a very diverse group of people
ranging from egotistical power mongering asses ... to lonely souls ... just needing companionship and a hug ... to folks who just want golf discounts and folks who want some food ...
and yah ... somewhere in there are folks who are centralists here to express and spread masonic values ....
remember ... even if they are just there for power games or food or whatever ... that does not mean that they can not be encouraged to find masonic values ... so long as we act to them with such values ...
as for the supposition that a "reasonable level of intelligence is required" .. to advance as a mason ... very subjective ... and doubtful presumption ...
none of our traditions require our brothers to be especially bright or able intellectually ... only not to be in annage or dotage or ... incompetent of mind ... we have members and grand masters whose intelelct and iq was way north of genius levels ...over 180 on a bad day ... and we have had ones who were of good heart but ... a bit on the dim side intellectually and educationally ...
neither extreme proved especially more effective than the other in moving Washington Masonry forward ... or in being visionary in a way that enthused and excited membership ...
The reality of our demographics is that are are like the rest of america ...a ... melting pot ... with huge diversity ...
Not an intellectually or academically or scientifically elite group ...
back when i was on the IT committee I did some demographics ... and a few surveys ... and i could not find a single Nobel Prize winner in our membership...
So let's admit diversity and be humble ...
One does not have to be a genius to have wisdom and ... being a genius does not ensure you have wisdom to dispense ... lol ...
in fact ... only increases the odds you will lose your car keys ... (humor)
So remember ... LEVEL AND SQUARE ...
regardless of our economic or academic or other attributes
as masons ... it is our committment to values and obligations that is our core that unites us
even those who joined for the food or golf discounts ... lol
MWPGM Bailey,
First and foremost, each man who wants to find out more about Masonry, needs to know how to fill out a Petition (that is considered for what he says in his handwriting)! Then he is somewhat investigated by a few Masonic Brothers, to see if he might truly have enough to pay a membership fee, and not damage his other obligations (like a family)? After becoming an EA, his ability to memorize Obligations and repeat them back aloud in front of a Lodge is evaluated. So a reasonable level of intelligence is necessary to advance as a Mason, Correct?
I do agree that a certain level of mental strength is required to be a Mason, for the reasons you mention. But, not literacy of course, for the work can be (and for a very long time was, and still is in some places) learned mouth to ear.
I think though that it is a level of commitment as well. A man whose mind is somehow wired to memorize easier will have an easier time of it. Whereas a man whose mind makes it difficult to memorize will have a harder time of it. Then it comes down to commitment.
I don't think that Masonry takes above average intelligence, but I do think that (done properly) it takes above average commitment if one is to learn the work, and fulfil all the other responsibilities. For some more commitment than others.
I also think we need to honor men's, and Mason's contributions based on their abilities. A super smart guy has a broader potential field in which to do good, but that in no way lessens the importance of the fellow who has a smaller potential field, yet brightens the field he has for all within it.
Ultimately, diversity is, in my view, a great benefit of our Craft. We should remain a welcoming home for any good man of goodwill who seeks our fellowship and is willing to live his life according to our obligations.
"Do we, as Masons, hold a fundamentally different perspective from the average?"
Our Closing Charge tells us, "These generous principles extend further, for every human being has a claim upon your kind offices."
So why ask such a question in such a way that it insinuates a "higher than thou" stance. We are on the Level, in and out of Lodge. Economics aside.
I'm a huge Jefferson fan, less us sharing a first name (Thomas is a great name -- don't forget it), but I also agree with his ideologies. Hamilton was wrong. Economics of scale inevitably lead to collapse of societies. I'm not a Marxist either -- ownership abolished is worse than Capitalism. Trickle down hasn't worked, though.
Individualism and autonomy will be what wins this next window of society. We, as Freemasons, should stand to and abide by our Obligations and never present ourselves as better than, or above, lest we perpetuate the generalist belief of the Fraternity.
To my mind, it is a value judgement. The man who has the potential to make the lives around him better, and does so, is a better man than one who has the potential to do so but does not. That's my thinking anyway.
That said... Undoubtedly, often due to circumstances outside of their control, many do not actually have that potential, due to the demands for survival placed upon their shoulders. Pike writes quite eloquently about this, and those words have stuck with me for as long as I've been a Mason. So, any value judgement in my mind does not extend that far.
The question, to my mind, is if Masons specifically (and others, Rotarians, Lions, &c) hold a different perspective from those who do not feel a pull to give of themselves or their resources.
I don't feel that I actually know, hence the question.
And of course I wonder about the 'why' implied in the question, if indeed that different perspective exists.
I agree completely re: Jefferson/Hamilton. And re: Marxism.
Unrestrained crony capitalism (I think that's what we largely have now, and what Hamilton largely pushed) is creating far too wide of gap between people, and leaving far too many people without. We need to address that as a society, and of course we have done so in the past when excesses grew too large. Teddy Roosevelt with his 'Trust Busting' stands as one clear example.
I think that captured/cronyist capitalism and socialism are in equal measures dangerous for similar reasons. I do not think that todays capitalism is what the founding fathers intended when drafting the frameworks for all that followed.
I do not know if Masons or any other fraternal order are more likely to align with social values or benefits, though I think many seek them out for what they promote. Much like others pursue nonprofit careers, or social benefit organizations. Some focus on accumulating and delivering resources, and others provide aid and support.
I think that collectively as a species we have been shortsighted. Which has led to squandering resources and creating shortages and hardship. If we look to the future and the manner in which we treat each other, seeking to create the best version of tomorrow possible, we might start finding a middle path, and a new way forward.
One that will benefit future generations.
I strongly agree that crony capitalism is largely what we have today, and that it is harmful as you say. I also have to agree that it is not what (most of) the founders intended. I'm not so sure about Hamilton though, as is well documented, he had close buddies getting rich off his policies while Treasury Secretary. Perhaps that was unintended by him during the creation of complex economic institutions and systems, or perhaps he was seeking to create an elite class within the country as was frequently charged by some other founders at the time. Either way, it is certainly interesting.
Unfortunately a persons capacity for greatness is all too often equally matched by the propensity for evil or corruption. History is unfortunately littered with them.
If you want to know a persons true nature, give them power.
Our founders were certainly complicated men. Jefferson for example, writing so eloquently about liberty for all, while holding people in slavery.
When my kids were 4 years old, they went to a daycare/pre-school. There was a requirement to volunteer a minimum number of hours in the classroom or pay a nominal amount if you were unable or unwilling to give your time. I wasn’t a Mason at this time in my life but had learned early on in my childhood that volunteering was important. I’ve given of my time for more than 40 years, and usually that has also come with giving of my money. Giving of time usually means giving of finances whether it’s some piece of equipment or what not to complete a project or pizzas to create connections. Giving just monetarily can be satisfying but it’s not the same. Becoming a Mason fit in with my giving nature and I enjoy the fellowship and community that comes from working together toward a common goal.
My granddaughter's private school is like that. Some certain number of hours are required of the parents. I was unaware of such requirements until she enrolled in kindergarten (my own private school as a kid didn't do that) but I think it is a really good thing. It helps the parents to see with their own eyes what's happening, at least a bit, and it exposes kids, at least a bit, to a diverse set of people.
I picked up the volunteering at a young age too. Through Scouting primarily. Not as a young Scout or in Cub Scouts, I don't remember it being emphasized there much if at all, but as an older Scout it became more and more stressed. Of course us Scouts had no money to give to speak of, but we had time, and we had lots and lots of energy.
My family did baseball. Our family vacations consisted of traveling to a baseball tournament somewhere. My dad was very involved and that led me to my path of coaching and volunteering.
I fear that I lacked any aptitude whatsoever in any and all sports. I can't seem to hit a ball, catch a ball, or hold any other essential qualification for success.
Ultimately though, my parents thought that extracurricular things were important, so as it wasn't sports, it was something else, in my case Scouting and FFA.
I don't know. I can only say my perspective, which is that money is a tool. Like any other tool, it allows you to do things that you could not otherwise do, or do them much faster and or easier. Of itself, it has no meaning, it's what you can get, or get done with it, that matters.
I tend to look at it similarly. As a tool. And life is undoubtedly easier now that I am older and have more available. Life is also easier now that I'm older and smarter. (Although I still have lots of room for improvement on that front!) But I've not ever looked towards hoarding it somehow. I find that I always think of it like a river, it flows out, but it flows in too, sometimes more, sometimes less, but the river doesn't have a dam holding it back.
When it is impressed upon a man that "poor and penniless" he entered this world and so too shall he depart, the talk of money and markets has less meaning than performing joyous deeds in the name of our Creator.
One of my grandfathers always used to say that when he died he wanted it to be a massive heart attack. Here one minute, gone the next.
It never seems to work out that way for us. In my family (and my wife's family) we seem to linger, dying slowly. So, I've spend a lot of time with family members going through that process. That, I suppose, has naturally led me to thinking about my own time when it inevitably comes.
I don't imagine that anyone, on their deathbed, thinks that the amount of cash in their investment accounts is of much importance at all. Rather, I think that at that time what is important are some of the things experienced in this life, and the relationships built. Those are ultimately (I think) what gives life meaning.
Or not, if we lack meaningful relationships, and if we regret what we didn't push ourselves to experience.
I lead a tech team at a bank.
Masonry has certainly changed the way I see money. For example, the way I hire employees. Often times - large fortune X companies go through tremendous times of hiring and layoffs. Because of the way Masonry has taught me to circumscribe not only my passions, but the rest of my life as well - I hire and layoff very intentionally. My hiring is always out of great need, with an intentional view for the role and its longevity. I don't hire in the temporary, I hire with a mind for how this role will change and employees life and set them on a course for success. I hire for work ethic and integrity. Skill can be taught. Skill can be grown. But that _drive_ and responsibility is something I look for out of the gate.
I'd rather do a lot with a good few than to hire and fire with the change of the wind. I think bringing that stability and consistency is one way I approach management but also finance in general.
Thanks for sharing this perspective. Many years ago I was in a position to hire and fire, but that was prior to my becoming a Mason. I've not really been in that position since I petitioned our Craft (beyond occasional temporary positions) so I haven't ever considered if or how or why my Masonic involvement could effect my decision-making in that area. You've given me something to think about.
I believe that there is a lot of truth to what you write here. A small team of good, committed people can ultimately be more effective than a larger group with people causing more difficulties than getting whatever it is done.
I find that through time I have come to view currency and resources as a representation of the energy, time, and effort that it took to achieve them. I take a similar approach to the act of expending them, ensuring that how I spend them aligns with the type of future I would like for those to follow.
Brother Franklin cautioned to avoid extremes in the "13 Virtues". I imagine we require both the ability to build and grow resources using our creator imbued talents, and the willingness to deploy those resources where they are most effective, and needed.
The story of three servants comes to mind. One gambling them away, another squandering them, with the third employing good stewardship to generate a positive return who was in kind richly rewarded.
>>>I take a similar approach to the act of expending them, ensuring that how I spend them >>>aligns with the type of future I would like for those to follow.
There is much wisdom in this I think. Thank you Brother!
“I have to wonder if, similarly, Masons have a different view of money than the average man? If holding it is less important to the average Mason than the average man? If a Mason is more likely to give it to someone in need?”
The Rite of Destitution in the EA Degree may explain that.
On the more practical side, in my experience, Masons tend to be financially illiterate and consequently make poor decisions. Giving generously to others while the building crumbles; making investment decisions contrary to what the professional advisors recommend; and simply not keeping dues and fees current with the present day all spell disaster.
Jay
>>>in my experience, Masons tend to be financially illiterate and consequently make poor >>>decisions. Giving generously to others while the building crumbles; making investment >>>decisions contrary to what the professional advisors recommend; and simply not >>>keeping dues and fees current with the present day all spell disaster.
Your point is extremely well taken.
We do seem, in far too many cases, to shoot ourselves in the foot at every opportunity when it comes to Lodge finances.
I remember where I was at an appendant body meeting with MW Charles Wood. He had just taken that Chapter’s money and invested it, forming the budget method that has worked quite well for many non-profits. During the meeting, the Secretary said, “Okay, this month we have $107,000. But last month we had $103,000 and the month before that it was $105,000. Can’t they make up their minds???” I started snickering and I looked over at the WoodMan. He was just shaking his head. I did try to explain things to them later that week, but it was like teaching trigonometry to grade schoolers. They couldn’t grasp the concepts, but like grade schoolers, there’s hope that they’ll get it in the future.
"...making investment decisions contrary to what the professional advisors recommend..." I totally understand this one.
One time we had our financial planner actually come to visit us at our Lodge building. "You want to keep your investments conservative... but you want to invest in gold..." She thought we were nuts. Turned out there were a couple of Brothers who watched just a few too many Birch Gold Group commercials who showed up at the investment meeting. "You just paid money to that Planner to invest our money. Where did that money go, Brother? Where?" That was another member who thought we were nuts to pay a planner to invest our money and wanted to take all of our investment money and put it into real estate.
Eventually those Brothers who wanted to invest the money as if it were their own fell by the wayside. There is something called Fiduciary responsibility. We are investing money that does not belong to us as individuals. It's the LODGE'S money. We need to be responsible with it. Fortunately, there are now two of us on the investment account, and it's working quite well. We will have to get a couple of our newer members on board with what we are doing and add at least one more member, as one of us two is in our late 80's.
MW, I'm late to the thread but I'm nonetheless compelled to comment.
Q: "Is lending a hand and doing good for others, having a positive impact in the world, whether large or small, more important to the average Mason than it is to the average man?"
A: No.
As a Fraternity we do ourselves I great disservice at the mere suggestion that we're somehow more enlightened, caring, charitable, or in any way better than non-Masons. I'm very proud of what I've done as Master of my Lodge, as a Disttrict Deputy, and in connection with many other Masonic endeavors. And did all of this without any expectation of compensation. But on my best day I take a distant back seat to my younger brother who is the fire chief for a volunteer fire company in Pennsylvania.
Volunteer fire companies are merely one stark example of doing good for the sake of good. We don't have to look much further for many more examples of uncompensated people performing good acts. And if we extend the net a little further to the undercompensated relative to the good they impart we'll lose count of them.
There are good people everywhere, many of them non-Masons and a good many of them better than the best Mason we can find. Few if any enjoy lavish lifestiles as a result of their good works. The good ones are never in it for the money.
I appreciate this perspective, and undoubtedly the question could be framed to include those involved in all service/helping endeavors and groups. I don't doubt that all such folks share a similar way of thinking about what is truly important.
But, I imagine that most of us know people who have the means to provide service (in whatever way) yet do nothing. I know at least a handful of people like that. People with the ability, but without the will. Contemplating that, I have to wonder if those folks hold a radically different perspective than others.
That said, I don't deny that some lack the ability to be of service, to help, but some do, and don't.
As an aside, when we were in high school my little brother stopped breathing while we were in extremely rural Eastern Washington. I remember him turning blue. Volunteer paramedics responded quickly and saved his life. Undoubtedly folks who do that work make a massive difference in people's lives. The doctors never did figure out why what happened to him occured, but luckily it has never re-occurred.
You're right, some can help and choose not to. But I'm cautious about the difference between being able to help and the appearance of being able to help. It's not my judgement to make. Did they make bad financial decisions and are swimming in debt that no one else can see? Are they preserving their financial reserves for a chronically ill family member who will need financial support? Such struggles can be a special kind of hell. At the same time a different kind of hell is the forfieted richening of the soul of the one who doesn't offer the help he is otherwise able to provide.
Before we discuss, debate, and analyse what are the requirement or attributes of a good mason ... or what at least we believe they should be ...
I think we need to ask a more fundamental quesiton ...
WHY did our members join in the first place ... and why did they remain masons ...active or inactive ?
While it would be "oh -so -nice" if everyone was of totally common mind in this regard ...
Realistically that is not the case ...
I know brothers who have joined for reasons as diverse as ...
Seeking to get into an actual craft where there was a masonic lodge mostly dedicated to that career craft (high volage electrican or mariner or actor ...or whatever)
Seeking to get a good discount at the golf club ...
Seeking an excuse to find a way out of the wife's eyeball ... and an excuse that she would accept to see him disappear weeking ... to a dinner and poker game (guys night nout)
Seeking to make trust relationships to find investors
Just plain lonely and needing companionship
Thouight the old language was cool and the old archaic traditions "pretty cool" so wanted to do that ... basically participatory theatre ...
Folks who just thought the old archiecture of our older buildings was "a pretty cool place to hang out"
Guys who just needed a regular meal that was not mcdonalds ... (yes i met such a very active member) ... he visits a lot of lodges ... mostly those that have good food ...
.....
SO ...
lets remember that we are a very diverse group of people
ranging from egotistical power mongering asses ... to lonely souls ... just needing companionship and a hug ... to folks who just want golf discounts and folks who want some food ...
and yah ... somewhere in there are folks who are centralists here to express and spread masonic values ....
remember ... even if they are just there for power games or food or whatever ... that does not mean that they can not be encouraged to find masonic values ... so long as we act to them with such values ...
as for the supposition that a "reasonable level of intelligence is required" .. to advance as a mason ... very subjective ... and doubtful presumption ...
none of our traditions require our brothers to be especially bright or able intellectually ... only not to be in annage or dotage or ... incompetent of mind ... we have members and grand masters whose intelelct and iq was way north of genius levels ...over 180 on a bad day ... and we have had ones who were of good heart but ... a bit on the dim side intellectually and educationally ...
neither extreme proved especially more effective than the other in moving Washington Masonry forward ... or in being visionary in a way that enthused and excited membership ...
The reality of our demographics is that are are like the rest of america ...a ... melting pot ... with huge diversity ...
Not an intellectually or academically or scientifically elite group ...
back when i was on the IT committee I did some demographics ... and a few surveys ... and i could not find a single Nobel Prize winner in our membership...
So let's admit diversity and be humble ...
One does not have to be a genius to have wisdom and ... being a genius does not ensure you have wisdom to dispense ... lol ...
in fact ... only increases the odds you will lose your car keys ... (humor)
So remember ... LEVEL AND SQUARE ...
regardless of our economic or academic or other attributes
as masons ... it is our committment to values and obligations that is our core that unites us
even those who joined for the food or golf discounts ... lol