Examining Virtue: Gratitude and Ambition

Very Illus.^..^.. Bro.^.. Kristine Wilson-Slack 33°

Date Published: 11/13/2024                        

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Freemasonry is often described as a peculiar system of Morality, veiled in Allegory and illustrated by symbol. What aspects of character must be noursihed by the Freemason who wishes to make his mark on life?

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Freemasonry teaches that a well-rounded character blends an appreciation for what one has with the drive to grow beyond it. Gratitude and ambition may appear to represent opposite ends of the spectrum—one centered on contentment, the other on aspiration. Yet, in Masonic philosophy, these virtues can coexist as essential, complementary forces. Gratitude reflects the Masonic values of fraternity and equality, reminding Masons to cherish their brothers and recognize that each is a valued part of the whole. Ambition, meanwhile, speaks to the ideal of liberty, inspiring each Mason to strive freely for self-improvement and mastery. Together, these virtues create a harmonious framework, balancing present fulfillment with future potential, guiding a Mason toward a life that honors both his accomplishments and the contributions of others.

Embracing Contentment

Gratitude in Masonic life is far more than simple appreciation; it is a recognition of one’s place within a larger fraternity, a commitment to acknowledging and respecting the contributions of all brothers. Freemasonry teaches that all members stand on equal ground within the lodge, regardless of status or background. We are on the same level. Gratitude reinforces this equality, as it reminds Masons that every brother brings unique strengths to the Craft and that each person’s contributions are valuable. By fostering gratitude, a Mason strengthens the bonds of fraternity, creating a lodge culture where support and appreciation flow freely.
For example, consider a Mason who has been supported by his brethren during a challenging time. Rather than viewing this support as a mere kindness, he sees it as an expression of Masonic fraternity and equality, recognizing that one day, he too may be called upon to offer relief to a brother in need. This reciprocal gratitude embodies the Masonic principle of fraternity: a recognition that no Mason stands alone and that each member’s well-being is interconnected. Similarly, a Mason who is grateful for his mentors’ guidance might demonstrate this gratitude by mentoring newer members, perpetuating the support that has enriched his own journey. Thus, gratitude is not passive; it is active, building the foundation for equality and solidarity within the lodge.

True Ambition

In contrast, ambition urges Masons to reach beyond their current state, aligning with the Masonic ideal of liberty. Freemasonry encourages personal development and the pursuit of truth, inviting each Mason to freely seek wisdom and grow in character. Ambition is the driving force behind this search for enlightenment, pushing Masons to advance their skills, deepen their knowledge, and refine their understanding of Masonic teachings. Ambition is thus a vital element of liberty—it allows Masons to set and pursue their own goals, creating their own path within the bounds of the Craft and working towards the goals of the Masonic Fraternity. 

Consider a young Mason who, inspired by the Craft, aspires to progress through the degrees. His ambition is not about personal status but about acquiring knowledge and responsibility, driven by a desire to serve his lodge more effectively. This is not about the medals or letters at the end of his name. This ambition reflects the value of liberty in Freemasonry, as each Mason is free to pursue his potential within the framework of the Craft. Similarly, an experienced Mason who seeks to lead a charitable initiative exemplifies ambition through his desire to contribute to society and the Brotherhood, bringing honor to his lodge while embodying the Masonic commitment to self-improvement. Ambition, then, is a means of living with purpose, transforming liberty into action, and contributing to the collective goals of the fraternity.

Can Ambition and Gratitude Work Together? 

In the Masonic journey, balancing gratitude and ambition is crucial, for without this balance, a Mason risks either complacency or discontent. Gratitude fosters fraternity by emphasizing equality, respect, and appreciation for all members, while ambition strengthens liberty, encouraging Masons to seek improvement and embody the principles of the Craft more fully. However, ambition without gratitude can become isolating, leading one to pursue personal goals without acknowledging the support and wisdom of others. Conversely, gratitude without ambition may foster passivity, diminishing one’s drive to seek new knowledge or take on new responsibilities.

Imagine a Mason who has recently achieved a new degree. Gratitude might lead him to recognize the contributions of his mentors and brothers, reminding him that his success is shared with those who have guided him. Ambition, on the other hand, drives him to continue growing, setting new goals to further his understanding and service to the lodge. Without gratitude, his ambition could shift to self-centeredness, but without ambition, he might fail to honor the liberty Freemasonry encourages. 

In another scenario, a Mason who balances gratitude with ambition may actively seek ways to contribute to the lodge, perhaps by mentoring others or leading an initiative. His gratitude ensures he respects and values his fellow brothers, while his ambition allows him to lead by example, blending contentment with aspiration.

How Can We Balance Ambition and Gratitude?

Gratitude and ambition are not only essential to personal growth but also to the practical life of the lodge. Gratitude builds strong relationships, uniting brothers in mutual support and equality. It is often expressed through small gestures—acknowledging the contributions of others, expressing appreciation for the time and effort of fellow Masons, or even helping to support a brother in times of hardship. Gratitude is about showing up, on time, work tools in hand, ready to contribute to enhance the work of the entire fraternity. In these ways, gratitude fortifies the bonds of fraternity, helping each member feel valued and respected within the lodge.

Ambition, however, brings energy and progress to the lodge, inspiring members to set and achieve shared goals. For instance, ambitious Masons might organize charitable events, improve ritual proficiency, or undertake projects that elevate the lodge’s presence in the community. This pursuit of excellence reflects a collective ambition that honors the liberty Freemasonry grants each member to pursue his own talents and ideas. Together, gratitude and ambition create a dynamic lodge environment where members are free to grow while feeling deeply connected to one another, embodying both fraternity and liberty.

Honor and Appreciation

In Freemasonry, gratitude and ambition are not opposing forces but complementary virtues that lead to a balanced life. Gratitude embodies fraternity and equality, reminding Masons to cherish their connections; to support one another, and to honor the shared journey of the Craft. Ambition, meanwhile, champions liberty, urging Masons to push beyond their limits; to seek self-improvement, and to pursue a purposeful life. Together, these virtues capture the essence of Strength and Beauty, as strength arises from personal growth, while beauty emerges from a life rich in appreciation and respect.
Ultimately, Freemasonry teaches that a life led by gratitude and ambition is a life that honors both the present and the future. Through gratitude, Masons recognize the strength of their fraternity and the wisdom of those who came before them. Through ambition, they honor their liberty to grow, improve, and make meaningful contributions. Balancing these virtues, Masons find fulfillment in both who they are and who they strive to become, building not only stronger selves but a stronger brotherhood. This balance reflects the timeless ideals of the Craft, guiding Masons toward a life that values both contentment and aspiration, equality and freedom, creating a harmonious existence that respects both the journey and the destination.