By: WB Daniel Genchi
The phrase "on the level" is a central concept in Freemasonry, a fraternity with a long history and a set of moral and ethical values that are intended to guide its members in their personal and professional lives. In this blog post, we will explore what it means to be "on the level" from a Masonic perspective and discuss why this concept is still relevant and important in today's society.
First, it's important to understand a little bit about the history and principles of Freemasonry. Freemasonry is a fraternity that traces its origins back to the local fraternities of stonemasons in the Middle Ages. These fraternities were essentially guilds that governed the trade of stonemasonry, but they also served as a social and charitable organization for their members. Over time, the fraternity evolved to include a more diverse group of members, and it became a fraternity of men who shared a commitment to moral and ethical values, such as honesty, integrity, and charity.
The concept of being "on the level" is central to the principles of Freemasonry, and it is one of the fraternity's core values. To be "on the level" means to be honest, straightforward, and truthful in one's dealings with others. It means treating others with fairness, respect, and integrity, and it means upholding one's commitments and promises. In the Masonic fraternity, being "on the level" is not just a personal virtue, but it is also a principle that guides the fraternity as a whole.
One of the ways in which Freemasonry puts the principle of being "on the level" into practice is through the use of ritual and symbolism. In Masonic ritual, the "level" is a symbol of equality and brotherhood, and it represents the idea that all members of the fraternity are equal and deserving of respect, regardless of their social status or background. The level is also a reminder that each member has a responsibility to treat others with fairness and respect, and to always strive to be "on the level" in their personal and professional lives.
But why is being "on the level" still relevant and important in today's society? In a world that is often marked by dishonesty, deceit, and corruption, the values of honesty, integrity, and fairness are more important than ever. In our personal lives, being "on the level" helps to build trust and strengthen our relationships with others. In our professional lives, it helps us to maintain our reputation and to build trust with our colleagues, clients, and customers. And in our broader society, being "on the level" helps to create a culture of honesty, fairness, and trust, which is essential for building a healthy and functioning community.
In conclusion, being "on the level" is a central concept in Freemasonry, and it represents the values of honesty, integrity, and fairness. These values are as important today as they have ever been, and they are essential for building trust, strengthening relationships, and creating a healthy and functioning society. Whether we are members of the Masonic fraternity or not, we can all benefit from being "on the level" in our personal and professional lives.
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