The Builder’s Balance: Thought and Action in Freemasonry
In keeping with the “balance” theme from this month’s Bonus Talk – I had some other notes I wanted to share. It came from a quote I came across.
“Act like a man of thought and think like a man of action.” — Henri Bergson
In our daily lives, as in our Craft, we are constantly challenged to find equilibrium. Henri Bergson’s quote warns us against two extremes: the paralysis of overthinking and the chaos of impulsive action. For the Freemason, this balance is not just a philosophical ideal; it is the very method by which we build our spiritual temples.
We can map this wisdom directly to the working tools and symbols of our Lodge:
1. “Act like a man of thought” (The Trestleboard & The Square)
Action without thought is a hammer swinging wildly in the dark. To “act like a man of thought” is to consult the Spiritual Trestleboard before we lay our hands upon the stone.
- It means we draw our designs from the Great Light in Masonry and our moral center.
- When we step out into the world to act, we try our actions by the Square of Virtue to ensure they are honest, fair, and deliberate.
- Our actions should be the physical manifestation of our deepest, most refined reflections.
2. “Think like a man of action” (The Common Gavel)
Conversely, thought without action is a temple that exists only on paper. We can study the tracing boards for a lifetime, but if we never pick up the tools, the stone remains rough.
- To “think like a man of action” is to ensure our philosophy does not become idle daydreaming.
- It is the realization that the Common Gavel must eventually strike the stone. We must actively divest our hearts and consciences of the vices and superfluities of life.
- Our thoughts and studies in the Lodge must be geared toward practical application in our families, our work, and our communities.
3. The Pillars of Wisdom and Strength
Bergson notes that wisdom emerges when contemplation fuels movement. King Solomon expressed this beautiful synergy in Proverbs 24:3, stating: “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” Masons recognize this as the harmony between two of our principal pillars: Wisdom and Strength.
- Wisdom to contrive the plan (Thought).
- Strength to support and execute it (Action).
Without Wisdom, Strength is chaotic and destructive. Without Strength, Wisdom is weak and unfruitful. Together, they create Beauty—the harmonious, well-lived life where strategy and courage dance together, and our spiritual house is firmly established.
Conclusion: Let us strive to be both the architect and the builder. May we reflect deeply on the moral lessons of our Craft, and may those reflections give us the courage and discipline to act rightly in the world.
Questions for Reflection:
- The Great Light: Do we regularly seek rule and guidance from the Great Light in Masonry before we act, or do we rely solely on our own immediate understanding?
- The Square: When faced with a difficult or frustrating situation, do we take the time to consult our internal Trestleboard and apply the Square of Virtue, or do we react impulsively?
- The Gavel: Are we guilty of treating Freemasonry merely as a philosophical study, a social hang out, or competition; or are we actively picking up the Common Gavel to improve our daily habits, our families, and our communities?
- The Balance: In what area of your life right now do you need more Wisdom (planning and thought), and in what area do you need more Strength (execution and action) to bring about Beauty?
So Mote It Be.
James A. Clark
Author’s Note: This short lesson is a personal reflection combining a great quote by Henri Bergson with the timeless wisdom of Proverbs. I put it together simply to highlight how we can apply Masonic self-improvement and discipline to our everyday routines. While blending this specific quote with our working tools is just a modern take, the core message about Wisdom, Strength, and finding that balance between thought and action is right in line with the traditions of our Craft – and displays is Beauty.
