REPARTEE

It is not enough to assume being a student is a passive event. It is not enough when you try to unlock meaning contained in symbols subtle or iconic. You have agency. You decide the question that will focus your learning. Don't compare yourself to others who are in the middle of their studies. Their progress is no reflection on your beginnings. Be cautious when applying the expectations taught in ritual. Merit and leadership are abstract notions. Reality always falls short of ideals and so too do the people who assume responsibility for the progress of a lodge.  Unlike a business, with a  profit purpose, we have emotional connections and responsibilities one to the other. We wander into an environment often out of our depth, startled by spiritual expectations, especially coming from a secular society.  Whether from books, or spoken word learning florishes in masonry when we discuss. Not surprising when we are reminded about lessons in rhetoric taught to our ancients.  Where to begin?  I suggest you take on the lessons outlined in our motto. Learn the language by understanding and applying Audi, Vide, Tace to your thinking and life. Take the resulting language with you into a cloud of information. Here is where your question(s) bring focus.  Your question may or may not be similar to mine or his. So be it.  Not all information is revealed at first. Sometimes we need to visit ideas a second and third time. Prepare to give it just the exact amount of time and effort necessary to achievey your goals. How much? Enough. Anything less will lead to disappointment. You will know when it is enough, in hindsight.Masonry is vast. Context within context. Working in fields helps organize our thinking: Philosophy, History, Symbolism, Ritual. Our studies are clouded by stories and inaccurate information. How to determine what is valid? As masons have done for generations, search out credible credible sources. Discuss.