GRAVITY- THE ATTRACTION OF MASONRY

                                                                            You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him to find it within himself- Galileo Galilei

What is the appeal of Masonry that has echoed since 16th century? Let's be reminded the 16th century was unparalleled. It opened with uncanny, inspired invention, disturbingly beautiful paintings, and sculpture of Michelangelo; midway the writings of Shakespeare that taught the world existence is nuanced and with meaning and purpose.  And taking us to another plane it ended with the discoveries by Galileo that forever changed the way we think about the universe.  They were teaching us agency, without peer as attested by Donatello, Titian, Botticelli who share the 14th to 17th century period of the Rennaisance. They were for many, an outstanding embodiment of Renaissance of humanity.   Today, we find their influences in the broadest workings of Masonry.  Inspiration, beauty, curiousity, and courage. We distilled principles and ethics from history and helped humanity find these unifying forces were not manmade. God?  The Self-Help phenomena of the 80's and 90's failed because it negated self-discovery and the value of struggle. Yes, it is imperfect. Yes, it is optimistic. Yes it is audacious. Yesterday and tomorrow exist only in our imagination. Today, in the moment is where you find masonry and masons.