Over the last four centuries, Freemasonry seems to have flourished
during times of great enlightenment and change. It is no coincidence
that Freemasonry rose to prominence during the Age of Enlightenment -
where a new generation believed it could discover ways to gain personal
improvement, bring order to society, and understand the whole universe.
This statement is perhaps even stronger today than it was in the 18th
century.
Today, men seek out Masonry for the same reasons – to
better themselves and improve society in the company of like-minded
Brothers. As we learn more about how our physical world works, there’s
also new interest in those things we don’t understand – especially
things bound around tradition or that have a more mystical nature. Also,
books like The Da Vinci Code, The Lost Symbol and movies like “National
Treasure" have brought up both new interest and renewed speculation
about the nature of the Fraternity. Though these books and movies are a
product more of a vivid imagination than fact, the real history of
Masonry is perhaps the best story of all.
