Masonic Quotes

Wisdom, inspiration, and timeless truths from Freemasons throughout history

Throughout history, Freemasons have shared wisdom on topics ranging from morality and brotherhood to self-improvement and leadership. These quotes from famous Masons and Masonic traditions continue to inspire millions around the world. Whether you're a Mason seeking inspiration or simply curious about Masonic philosophy, these quotes offer timeless guidance.

Brotherhood
“We represent a fraternity which believes in justice and truth and honorable action in your community... men who are endeavoring to be better citizens... [and] to make a great country greater.”

Harry S. Truman

33rd President of the United States

Self-Improvement
“The man who does not control himself can never control others.”

Benjamin Franklin

Founding Father

Brotherhood
“Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.”

George Washington

1st President of the United States

Morality
“Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.”

George Washington

1st President of the United States

Self-Improvement
“The real secret of Freemasonry is to make good men better.”

Masonic Saying

Philosophy
“We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share.”

Paulo Coelho

Author & Freemason

Self-Improvement
“Masonry is a progressive science.”

Masonic Saying

Philosophy
“So live, that when thy summons comes to join the innumerable caravan which moves to that mysterious realm, thou go not like the quarry-slave at night, scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed by an unfaltering trust.”

William Cullen Bryant

Poet & Freemason

Wisdom
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”

Socrates

Philosopher (Honorary Masonic reference)

Perseverance
“Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never.”

Winston Churchill

British Prime Minister & Freemason

Wisdom
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Benjamin Franklin

Founding Father

Brotherhood
“Freemasonry is founded on the immutable laws of Truth and Justice and its grand object is to promote the happiness of the human race.”

George Washington

1st President of the United States

Success
“The meeting of preparation with opportunity generates the offspring we call luck.”

Tony Robbins

Motivational Speaker

Brotherhood
“To be one, ask one.”

Masonic Saying

Wisdom
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”

Confucius

Philosopher (Masonic principle)

Brotherhood
“We meet upon the level and part upon the square.”

Masonic Saying

Wisdom
“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”

Abraham Lincoln

16th President (though not confirmed as Mason)

Morality
“The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.”

Confucius

Philosopher (Masonic principle)

Brotherhood
“A Mason is a man who professes a faith in God. As a man of faith, he uses the tools of moral and ethical truths to serve mankind.”

Masonic Definition

Morality
“I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy.”

George Washington

1st President of the United States

Wisdom
“He that would live in peace and at ease, must not speak all he knows nor judge all he sees.”

Benjamin Franklin

Founding Father

Self-Improvement
“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”

Benjamin Franklin

Founding Father

Success
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

Steve Jobs

Apple Co-founder

Brotherhood
“Masonry unites men of every country, sect, and opinion, and causes true friendship to exist among those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.”

Masonic Charge

Brotherhood
“The trowel is an instrument made use of by operative Masons to spread the cement which unites a building into one common mass; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection.”

Masonic Ritual

Morality
“Morality is the basis of all true character.”

Albert Pike

33° Scottish Rite Mason

Philosophy
“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

Albert Pike

33° Scottish Rite Mason

Perseverance
“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men.”

John F. Kennedy

35th President

Morality
“A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.”

Malcolm X

Civil Rights Leader

Brotherhood
“Freemasonry has no dogmas and the Temple of the Great Architect is open to all religions.”

Albert Pike

33° Scottish Rite Mason

Self-Improvement
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Civil Rights Leader

Perseverance
“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

32nd President & Freemason

Perseverance
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

Albert Einstein

Physicist

Brotherhood
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Civil Rights Leader

Perseverance
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Winston Churchill

British Prime Minister & Freemason

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