The Working Tools for a Better Man
By: Editorial
We all remember the moment. Standing in the North-East corner of the Lodge, we were introduced to two powerful symbols of our Masonic future: the Rough and the Perfect Ashlars. One represented who we were—a man of good character, yet unpolished. The other represented who we could become—a man made better, fit for the service of the Great Architect and our fellow man.
The promise of that moment is the very heart of Freemasonry: to make good men better. But how, precisely, do we accomplish this? The path from the rough to the perfect is not a single leap, but a lifelong journey of small, deliberate steps. It is a process of continuous improvement, and to master it, we need more than just good intentions. We need a practical method.
I propose that we can find this method within our own symbolism, clarified by a modern concept I call humanistical iteration.
Let me be clear on this term. This is not humanism. “Humanistical” simply refers to a process that is focused on the real, lived human experience. It is a practical framework for self-development rooted in empathy, honest reflection, and conscious action.
In simple terms, humanistical iteration is: The cycle of trying, reflecting, and refining, with the specific goal of improving ourselves and our impact on others. It is the craftsman’s approach to character.
A Brother’s Story
Consider the story of a newly-raised Master Mason, whom we shall call Brother John. For months after his raising, John enjoyed the fellowship of his Lodge, but he felt a disconnect. He had been given the working tools of a Master Mason, but they remained abstract symbols. He struggled with a short temper in his professional life and knew it was a “superfluity” he needed to divest himself of, but he didn’t know how to start. He was a Rough Ashlar in spirit, and the Perfect Ashlar felt a world away.
During a conversation, his Mentor didn’t just tell him to “subdue his passions.” Instead, he suggested a practical, iterative approach. “John,” he said, “for the next week, let the Trowel be your guide. Your only goal is to try and spread the cement of brotherly love, especially when you feel your temper rising. Don’t worry about being perfect. Just try. We will speak again next week and see what you have learned.”
This was John’s first iteration. The next week, he reported back. He had failed twice, snapping at a colleague, but on three other occasions, he had consciously paused, thought of the Trowel, and chosen a more constructive response. The process wasn’t about instant perfection; it was about gathering real-world “data” on his own character.
His Mentor then helped him reflect: what were the triggers? What did the successful moments feel like? Based on this reflection, they refined the plan for the next week. This was his second iteration. Week by week, failure by failure, and success by success, Brother John used this cycle of trying and reflecting to slowly transform a Masonic symbol into a lived virtue. He was not just learning about the Trowel; he was using it.
Your Personal Framework for Iteration
Brother John’s story shows us that humanistical iteration isn’t a complex theory; it’s a simple, repeatable practice for personal development. It mirrors the familiar cycle of “Plan, Do, Check, Act” from the world of quality management, but applies it to the most important project of all: ourselves.
Here is how any Brother can apply it:
Identify Your Rough Edge (Plan): Begin with one specific aspect of your character you wish to improve. Don’t try to fix everything at once. Is it patience? Is it your willingness to listen? Your readiness to help? This is your “Rough Ashlar” for the cycle. Choose one Masonic working tool as your symbolic guide for the week.
Live the Lesson (Do): For one week, consciously try to apply the lesson of that tool in your daily life. If you choose the Level, make a deliberate effort to treat every person you meet with equal regard, regardless of their station. This is the active phase of the iteration.
Conduct an Honest Assessment (Check): At the end of the week, sit down for ten minutes. The 24-inch Gauge grants us time for this reflection. Ask yourself honestly:
When did I succeed in applying this principle? How did it feel?
When did I fail or forget? What were the circumstances?
What did I learn about myself, my habits, or my triggers?
Refine Your Approach (Act): Based on your reflection, decide what to do next. Do you need to continue focusing on the same tool for another week? Or perhaps a different tool would be more helpful now? This refinement is the key to progress. You are using real-world feedback to guide your next step.
A Challenge to You and Your Lodge
Brethren, the true power of Freemasonry is not found in the secrets we keep, but in the virtues we practice. Our symbolism is not meant to be admired on a shelf; it is meant to be used in the world.
Humanistical iteration is the bridge between the two. It is the practical method by which we turn allegory into action and transform ourselves, one deliberate cycle at a time.
I leave you with this call to action.
For yourself: This week, choose one working tool. Just one. Follow the four steps above and begin your first conscious iteration of self-improvement. See it not as a test you can fail, but as a Masonic experiment from which you can only learn.
For your Lodge: Start a conversation. In your Lodge of Instruction or at your next informal gathering, ask your Brethren: “How can we, as a Lodge, better support each other’s journey from the Rough to the Perfect Ashlar? Can we create a space where Brothers can safely share their challenges and successes in applying our principles, just as Brother John did with his Mentor?”
By adopting this practical, iterative mindset, we can re-energize our personal development and ensure that we are not just members of a Lodge, but active craftsmen in the quarry of life, continuously working on that spiritual building, that house not made with hands.
Recent Articles: skills
![]() 7 Soft Skills Taught In Freemasonry Discover how Freemasonry nurtures seven irreplaceable soft skills—collaboration; Communication, Teamwork, Empathy, Flexibility, Conflict Resolution, Active Listening, and Trustworthiness. Explore how these essential human attributes, grounded in emotional intelligence and ethical judgment, remain beyond the reach of AI. |
![]() Freemasonry and Reskilling in the age of AI The article explores the challenges and strategies organizations face in reskilling their workforce in the era of automation and artificial intelligence. It highlights the need for companies to view reskilling as a strategic imperative and involve leaders and managers in the process. The article also emphasizes the importance of change management, designing programs from the employee's perspective, and partnering with external entities. |
![]() Ten Central Commandments or Principles of Freemasonry Embrace the wisdom of Freemasonry's teachings in your personal journey towards self-improvement and stronger leadership. By upholding virtues of integrity, compassion, and respect, and uniting these with a commitment to continuous learning and social responsibility, inspire change. Transform yourself and the world around you, fostering a legacy of positivity and enlightenment. |
![]() Freemasonry: A Guide to Fatherhood In the sacred halls of Freemasonry, fathers discover a hidden power to transform their parenting journey. With its timeless values, supportive community, and life-enriching teachings, Freemasonry empowers fathers to provide a moral compass, foster self-improvement, build stronger connections, and embrace the confidence and wisdom needed to navigate the complex realm of fatherhood. |
![]() Courage as a core value in Freemasonry Freemasonry, a revered fraternity, prioritizes virtues like honesty and charity. However, courage is foundational. From Plato to Maya Angelou, courage is vital for other virtues. Freemasonry's teachings, referencing events like Gettysburg, emphasize diverse courage forms. In today's divided world, Masons promote and exemplify courage, understanding its importance in facing challenges. |
![]() How Freemasonry Cultivates Ideal Entrepreneurial Traits Freemasonry's cryptic rituals hold timeless lessons for building entrepreneurial greatness. Through tests of passion, vision and skill, Masonic teachings forge ideal traits like grit, creativity and alliance-making needed to seize opportunity and elevate enterprises. The right commitment unlocks code for entrepreneurial success. |
![]() What you see praiseworthy in others "What you see praiseworthy in others, carefully imitate, and what in them may appear defective, you will in yourself amend". This passage of Masonic ritual (Taylors Working, Address to the w |
![]() How to Learn Ritual with a Learning Disorder So what do you do when faced with that little blue book? Most Masons when first looking at the ritual book can understandably be fazed – the tiny print, the missing words, the questions and answers! Learning ritual can be a challenging task for anyone, especially individuals with learning disorders, but it is not impossible. Here are some tips to help make the process easier. |
![]() A "mind palace", also known as a "memory palace", is a technique for memorizing and recalling information. How would your life change if you could remember anything and everything? Discover the 'Mind Palace' and all will be revealed. |
![]() What is leadership and who does freemasonry help develop those skills needed to be a better leader |
![]() A story of the 'Ruffians' – those individuals whose paths cross ours, who feel entitled to seize and consume the property of others that they have not earned. A lesson to build character to be a better citizen of the world. |
![]() Now we are back in the Lodge room once again, maybe it is time to review how we learn and deliver ritual and look at different ways of improving that process. |
![]() Making an advancement in Masonic Knowledge can become far easier when you 'learn how to learn'. |
![]() Learn how to practise Masonic meditation in a busy world with all its care and employments |
![]() Struggling to learn your ritual? Become a 5-Minute Ritualist with the aid of a book of the same name. |
![]() Day in the life of a Freemason As we start a new year, maybe start it with a new habit? |
![]() Ten Basic Rules For Better Living Ten Basic Rules For Better Living by Manly P Hall |
![]() How can we use masonic leadership skills to avoid confrontational situations? |
![]() How the Trivium is applied to Critical Thinking - {who, what, where, when} - {how} - {why} |
![]() The Seven Liberal Arts - why 'seven', why 'liberal', why 'arts'? |
![]() How to improve your public speaking skill with 6 techniques |
![]() Do you need to speak in public, or present Masonic ritual without notes ? |
![]() What are logical Fallacies and how to spot them |
![]() Share one easy tip to learn masonic ritual; Some good tips from Facebook followers |
![]() How can we use the 7 secrets of the greatest speakers in history |
![]() What is a critical thinker and what are their characteristics? |
![]() Share one personal skill Freemasonry helped you to improve? How can we make practical use of the lessons taught in Masonic writings? |
![]() An introduction to the art of public speaking - speak with confidence |
![]() Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences What do you know about Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences |
![]() Three Words That Will Change Your Life This article discuss a common situation found in many lodges - a difficulty in holding a conversation with a stranger. |
![]() Al - Khwarizmi live c750 - c820 is credited as being the father of Algebra, being asked what is Man, give his answer in an algebraic expression |
masonic knowledge
to be a better citizen of the world
share the square with two brothers

click image to open email app on mobile device