There are a number of surprising connections between our Masonic teachings and Stoicism – specifically the wisdom of the Stoic philosopher and Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (121AD to 180AD). Much like Masonry, Stoicism offers a roadmap for virtue and self-improvement, and Marcus spent his life striving to live with wisdom, integrity, and purpose – the same values we, as Masons, hold dear.
One of the values that are important to both masonry and stoicism is Temperance. In both Masonry and Stoicism, temperance means self-control and balance – not being swayed by every passing impulse. Marcus Aurelius said, “You must build up your life action by action, and be content if each one achieves its goal as far as possible… no one can keep that from happening.” Here, he reminds us that temperance is about a steady, deliberate approach. Each small act of self-control adds up, keeping us grounded and balanced.
Another is Fortitude, the
virtue of courage and resilience. To a Stoic, fortitude means meeting life’s
challenges with strength and calm. Marcus wrote, “If you are distressed by
anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your
estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.” True
courage, he reminds us, comes not from avoiding challenges but from choosing
how we respond to them. Fortitude is the foundation for squaring our actions,
allowing us to rise above adversity.
Yet another is Prudence, or the
virtue of wisdom and discernment. For the Stoics, prudence is about thinking
clearly and making wise choices, guided by reason. Marcus advised, “Look
well into yourself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up
if you will always look.” This reflects prudence as inner wisdom and
self-reflection. It’s a reminder that wise action starts with knowing ourselves
and choosing our steps carefully.
Finally, there’s Justice, the
virtue that guides our interactions with others. Both Freemasonry and Stoicism
teach that justice means acting with fairness and integrity. Marcus said, “What
does not benefit the hive is no benefit to the bee.” This speaks to our
duty toward one another – justice is recognizing that we’re all part of a
greater whole and that our actions should aim to benefit the common good, just
as Freemasonry teaches us to act on the square.
In both Stoicism and Freemasonry, we’re encouraged to approach self-improvement as a continuous journey, and we’re called to be “architects” of our lives. As Marcus Aurelius advised, “Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” In the end, Freemasonry and Stoicism offer us paths to becoming better men – men dedicated to self-control, resilience, wisdom, and justice. They remind us that a meaningful life is built action by action, thought by thought, using the tools and virtues we’re given.