A SYSTEM OF MORALITY

Were they kidding when they wrote ritial telling us masonry is a 'beautiful system of morality veiled in allegory'. Before we arrive at that doorway, we have some miles to travel, that will wear out our boots and leave us parched. Of course we have our own examples of beauty, but beautiful systems of morality? To quote from the Wizard of Oz... that's a horse of a different colour. To think in moral terms is hard. I don't believe we are being threaded through the small tiny hole, but haven't we been reminded that even morality can be displaced by competing to be the most moral in the room? It reminds me of brown shoes. When I walk into a shoe store, the selection seems endless and I'll admit there are times when I wish on the shelf there was one pair of brown shoes. That I could handle. Are we correct extending our trust to the abstract notions of Antient and Accepted? Until we take time to examine and consider them, let alone consider changing our thinking by accepting new ideas, 'masonic' reflections, we have our own judgement, hopefully doubtful but fundamentally consistent with a virtuous life.  What to do about those who are not?  Nothing. There is nothing to do but be in character, carry on silently with life and be the example of a better way.  That lets me consider options.  I can carry on based on what I've been taught in early life, in my culture according to my version of a good man and examine what contributing philosophers have said on the topic. I'm not. going to lie to you, there are differences but at times many of them seem applicable.  I can't argue with Hume, about religion being a response to fear. But Kant makes sense too. There are limits to human understanding, so reasoning is vitally important. Whether it is his assertion of Hermes Trismegistus, or his own,reality is in the mind and yes there is evidence of knowledge that happens beyond direct experience.