Freemasons’ Principles and core values
Freemasons’ principles and core values define the brotherhood, and countless Masonic symbols are associated with it. These core values and symbols can be found in a library’s worth of literature.
Although Freemasonry takes different forms across cultures and countries, its core values remain the same worldwide. These core values are expressed in symbolic, moral, and philosophical teachings.
The most well-known, internationally accepted Masonic values are:
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Freedom,
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Equality,
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Brotherhood,
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Fraternity,
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Freedom of Thought,
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Philanthropy, compassion, helpfulness, and charity,
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Social Improvement,
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Honesty, and Integrity – moral integrity,
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Tolerance and Freedom of Worship – no rules, disputes are to be avoided.
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Self-knowledge and Self-Improvement mean becoming a better person:
work and Building, and Confidentiality and Secrecy.
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The basic principles of Freemasonry
Brotherly love, all Freemasons are taught to respect the opinions and beliefs of others. They must practice kindness, justice, and brotherhood, treating everyone as equals, regardless of background or religion.
Charity Freemasons are expected to care for those in need, both within the brotherhood and in the broader community. This includes organized charity, volunteerism, and personal compassion.
Truth, Freemasons are encouraged to live honestly and fairly. Truth is seen not only in honesty of speech, but also in the lifelong pursuit of wisdom, self-knowledge, and moral purity.
Well-known Masonic principlesIntegrity – Masons expect themselves to act honestly in all areas of life and to demonstrate sound ethical principles. They consider themselves responsible for preserving their centuries-old traditions for future generations. Brotherly love, friendship – Freemasonry provides an opportunity to connect with new people and form lifelong friendships. Members are encouraged to practice kindness, respect, and tolerance toward others, regardless of differences in background, faith, or status. Respect – Freemasons respect the teachings of the Craft, the opinions and personalities of their fellow brothers, and all people, regardless of their origin. |
| Helpfulness (charity) Philanthropy – Freemasons expect themselves to be philanthropists who are philanthropic and helpful to the community wherever possible in life. Freemasons support charitable causes and practice compassion in their daily lives.
Equality and tolerance – Freemasonry welcomes people of all religions, races, and social classes. They expect themselves to be tolerant, which basically means being patient with others’ opinions, religions, worldviews, ethnic or national affiliations, and other things. For Freemasons, tolerance, mutual understanding, and respect are fundamental, a kind of moral imperative. However, this does not mean agreeing with or following those who think differently but simply accepting the existence of difference. Justice – The pursuit of justice, honesty, and integrity in all actions. Freemasons are encouraged to live according to high moral standards. |
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Moral and spiritual development – Members are encouraged to reflect on their character, improve themselves, and live in accordance with ethical principles. Secrecy and discretion – Not in a malicious sense, but as an exercise in humility, respect for tradition, and the principle that virtue should be demonstrated by actions rather than publicity. Symbolism and tradition – Freemasons use symbols and allegorical rituals to teach lessons about morality, duty, and the human journey. |
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Community and brotherhood – There is a strong emphasis on friendship, mutual support, and the bonds of brotherhood. Within the tradition and symbolism of Freemasonry, it encourages ethical living, personal development, and service to others.
Who can become a Freemason?The Definition of a Freemason’s website:
The critical term I would like to draw attention to is “good reputation.” A good reputation is the goal to be achieved. To this end, we must examine everything that can lead to a good reputation. In other words, we must examine when we can say that someone meets the criteria for a good reputation. A separate lecture will be devoted to this topic. The first condition for this is the question of “attitude.” This is influenced by one’s way of thinking and inner motivation. This, in turn, depends on the values that the individual accepts, professes, and considers essential to preserve and “pass on.” So, first, we had to talk about the Masonic values that the individual, the Freemason, professes as his own. |