STEPPING INTO THE MIRROR

How many ways can a good man show generosity? Is it obvious that Freemasonry elivates the mind, influences behaviour and instills a sense of conviction?  Is renewal  constant and part of the obligation of a Brotherhood so obvious yet so obscure?  Plato brought to mind the distinction between opinion and truth. After we scrub away good manners, diplomacy and discretion, each man has a unique and equal perspective- opinions. We also acknowledge some opinions being equal, also are expert.  He went on to describe perhaps idealistically, that if we press another man to explore his reasoning reveals the difference between his thinking and yours and mine.  By doing that, knowing those differences takes us steps closer to 'knowing who we are'. That chases down the axiomatic purpose of a life - 'know thyself'.  Within that process is another; creating the atmosphere that allows this exchange of ideas. Good manners and avoiding distemper are essential if we want to create the atmosphere. (Audi, vide, tace.) Walking a fine line- spirited and encouraging but not aggressive. Finding truth is a different matter, purposeful not friendly- out of all the opinions, truth requires a singlular outcome. With this in mind, it becomes obvious when a man confuses his opinion for truth and attempts to press that error on his companions.  Don't be guilty of that. Be sensitive and try this way of reasoning before judging. See if your experience is consistent with Plato. Perhaps the Socratic method has some validity. Courage, energy and commitment are not uniformly at work. So be part of the break-out group. It is a step, one of many that will follow.