Freemasonry and Lessons of Humility

Building a stable character starts with a strong foundation. A more grounded person attains higher achievements in life. Freedom from pride and arrogance builds an unyielding personality. What do these three statements have in common? These are characteristics of an unpretentious person. Humility is the freedom from pride and arrogance. Humility makes a grounded person. Being humble shows your strong foundation.

In the sacred realm of Freemasonry, humility stands as the unspoken cornerstone, often overshadowed by grand symbols and rituals. As operative masons toiled in the quarries during the construction of King Solomon's Temple, their immersion in the soil beneath their feet serves as a poignant metaphor for the lessons that humility imparts.

The soil, seemingly overlooked, is a reservoir of life and biodiversity, providing sustenance and shelter. It holds the foundation of superstructures, stabilizing them against unnecessary movements. Yet, despite its pivotal role, the soil humbly occupies the lowest position on the planet.

In the construction of Masonic temples within the hearts of men, aspiring to the humility of the soil is paramount. Recent declarations emphasize that humility forms the foundation of a Freemason, from knocking on the lodge as a poor and blind individual to echoing the transformative role it plays in the tragedy of the 3rd degree.

Defined as the freedom from pride and arrogance, humility is the first lesson taught in Freemasonry. It paves the path from a rough ashlar to a perfect one, acknowledging the need for improvement. Seeking forgiveness and acknowledging faults become possible through humility.

As master masons, we are called to be as humble as the very soil beneath our feet. Like former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt's wise words, we should keep our eyes on the stars but our feet firmly on the ground. Emulating the soil, we provide substance and stability, becoming agents of positive change for the Craft and society.

The wisdom of English writer John Ruskin emphasizes that true greatness lies in humility, recognizing the divine in every individual. Humility, as explained by Bro. R.W.B. Michael H. Shirley, is not a disregard for one's abilities but a recognition that we are all Brothers, living on the level.