From Historical Force to Forgotten Ideal?
Many people today think as Freemasonry as a fairy tale, recalling a past in which it played a role in great historical events that significantly shaped the course of humanity. The American War of Independence, the French Revolution, and the Italian Risorgimento are the most frequently cited examples used to demonstrate how Freemasonry acted to affirm its ideals. It is also often remembered that the Royal Art counted among its ranks prominent heads of state and government, members of parliament, entrepreneurs, artists, and other figures from the cultural world. These recollections are not only celebratory in nature, but often the past – whose layers of time tend to highlight only the positive aspects – is contrasted with the present, to underscore how Freemasonry has apparently lost impact and prestige, to the point that the question even arises as to whether it still has a reason to exist. The affirmation of Masonic principles, which once met with so much resonance, today risks being dismissed as mere utopia. But it is not only the high ideals that are labeled utopian; perhaps today Freemasonry as an institution is seen by many of its members as such—as a “good place” that ultimately becomes a “non-place”.
Foundations of Freemasonry: Purpose, Principles, Method
To refute such a vision necessarily requires reflection not only on the goals that Freemasonry pursues, but also on the values and principles upon which those goals are founded, as well as the method by which those principles are transmitted to members, so that they may be realized in concrete action. We are thus faced with a threefold perspective of study to assess the actual consistency and substance of Freemasonry in relation to a possible utopian drift: — the reasons and motivations underlying its foundation, expressed in the aims and objectives it seeks to achieve, which we may briefly summarize as the “purposes of Freemasonry”;
— the principles and values that nourish and sustain its action, forming a body of identity drawn from the oldest myths of humanity, and representing the distinctive and qualifying element that sets it apart from all other esoteric and initiatory institutions. We will refer to these briefly as “Masonic principles”;
— the system, meaning the set of rites, legends, symbols, and degrees through which the Masonic principles are transmitted and internalized by the members so they may serve the concrete and proper achievement of the institution’s aims. We will refer to this as the “Masonic method”.
Purposes, principles, and method of Freemasonry:
Purposes, principles, and method of Freemasonry: each of these aspects deserves a thorough examination in relation to its effectiveness and concreteness, and its real functionality within its specific field of application. That is to say, how much the effect produced is actually in harmony with the cause, with the ideal that inspired it—whether there is continuity between intention and outcome, or whether we are instead faced with one or more disconnections, with contradictions that hinder its actual realization, and thus, in the final analysis, whether we are dealing with a reality or a utopia.
Today, gathered here in Montebelli,
we introduce this topic of great interest and relevance, inviting all Brethren present and all Brethren of the Confederation to reflect on this topic – by laying bare their souls and questioning their own consciences – since the fundamental question remains: “Why do I want to be a Freemason?” It is in light of the answer that each of us defines the ideal embodied by Freemasonry, and thus, in some way, its very reason for being. We will shortly hear some speeches, which we intend to collect – along with those we will receive later – into a publication to be completed within the year. I am confident that many of you will respond to our call, for the diversity of viewpoints is a wealth for Freemasonry, a kind of chaos in which what is potentially born can become real, through the direction and order that the wisdom of our Art unfolds in channeling the free expressions of individual consciences.
We would like the very essence of Freemasonry to emerge
– its deepest reason for being, its universal character capable of crossing centuries of history without betraying its mission or identity – free from nostalgia for the past and fear of the future. We hope the answer to the question “Why Freemasonry?” will become clear. Not to reform or refound it, but to reaffirm and focus on those elements that characterize and vitalize Masonic action, beyond historical contingencies and beyond temporary prevailing aspects. We are aware of the many “souls” of Freemasonry, but we also recognize that its origin and its history and esoteric nature must strongly characterize its identity and, consequently, the very formation of its members. It is this nature that allows it to adopt a perspective that is not dictated by particular interests, the need to retain power, to impose a social or economic model, or to defend a specific faith. Freed from the burdens and passions of the profane world, the Freemason can give his life a meaning most aligned with the virtues and values deeply connected to the truest human nature—and become a bearer of these values so that all humanity may benefit.
Can such an ideal be considered utopian?
Or is it so only to those who, blinded by years of servitude, can no longer recognize the power of free thought and its ability to act upon the spirit of mankind? Gathering our reflections will thus be a way to give voice to that thought, in the hope it may awaken other consciences. There was a time when Freemasonry fought to affirm those principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity that were denied to much of humanity. But such values are neither attainable nor definable in fixed terms once and for all: vigilance and the refutation of any form of obscurantist and authoritarian thought that seeks to impose a partisan truth aimed at subjugating individuals remains a highly relevant issue — and may become even more so in the future, given the many challenges humanity must face. In asking its members to embrace and profess these principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, Freemasonry does not confine them within fixed and dogmatic formulas, but entrusts each Mason’s conscience with the duty to constantly refine their meaning and value. To clearly grasp the sense and scope of this assertion may seem utopian to some, but to others, it may be one of the many steps along the difficult path that leads to the Light.
With that in mind, thank you for your attention.
Amen
A Brother from Italy
