Masonic Philosophy

The following has been adapted from a page at
http://www.peninsulamasoniclodge.org/Masonic_Philosophy/masonic_philosophy.html

Freemasonry is a fraternity or brotherhood - not a religious society - based on the belief that each person has a responsibility to help make the world a better place. Freemasonry encourages good men to become better men by promoting a life dedicated to high ideals, community service, and benevolence. Freemasons believe in the importance of religion; men of all faiths and religious beliefs are members of the organization. Freemasonry celebrates ethnic diversity and welcomes men of all racial backgrounds. Thus membership in the fraternity is comprised of all nationalities and faiths.
Freemasons are deeply involved in helping people. Their compassion for others manifests itself in many ways, from housing neglected children to helping seniors remain independent. In practical ways Freemasons seek to aid individuals who are sick, aged, or destitute, or whose physical, emotional and psychological needs are not being met. The vast majority of Masonic philanthropies assist people who are not Masons.

Masonic principles:

• Act with honor and integrity in everything you do
• Believe in a Supreme Being and keep faith in the center of your life
  
• Be tolerant and considerate of different religious, social, and political views
  
• Strive to leave the world a better place than when you entered it
  
• Practice mutual help-give and accept help when it's needed
  
• Uphold and maintain the principals of good government; oppose divisive and degrading influences, and be a good citizen
  
• Value self-improvement over financial success
  
• Remain good at heart
  
• Strive to live a brotherly life
  

Can you suggest any additions or alterations to the above?

The following are provided for those who wish to explore further:

(1) Masonic Philosophy - extracted from the Grand Lodge of Ohio's "Candidate Councelor's Handbook" - http://www.guigue.org/guitex45.htm

(2) "The influence of Plato's Republic on Freemasonry and Masonic Ritual" by Stephen Michalak

(3) "The Philosophy of Freemasonry: its mythical structure" by Dr Ronald Ng

(4) "The Philosophy of Masonry"- five lectures by Roscoe Pound - access in issues 5-9 of OMTP online newsletter at http://bit.ly/9YGvsU

(5) "The Philosophy of Masons: in several epistles from Egypt, to a nobleman" by Thomas Marryat (1730-1792), published in 1790 in London. An electronic version of the original text of 1790 is available online to registered libary card holders of the National Library of Australia - http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/3263658

Note: Marryat's work is being republished in 2010 under the title "The Esoteric Odyssey", after research and editing for modern readers by Stephen Dafoe and Randy Williams.