From The East September 2024

"In times of change learners inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists." — Eric Hoffer, Reflections on the Human Condition (1973), Section 32.

I read the above quote recently and I thought I would share it with you and some more from this philosopher. Eric Hoffer (1902-1983) was an American moral and social philosopher. He was the author of ten books and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in February 1983. His first book, The True Believer (1951), was widely recognized as a classic, receiving critical acclaim from both scholars and laymen, although Hoffer believed that The Ordeal of Change was his finest work. Below are some more quotes from this author that I feel are thought provoking and support our efforts to becoming better men.

"To become different from what we are, we must have some awareness of what we are."

"The uncompromising attitude is more indicative of an inner uncertainty than of deep conviction. The implacable stand is directed more against the doubt within than the assailant without."

"Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind."

"When people are free to do as we please, they usually imitate each other."

"It has often been said that power corrupts. But it is perhaps equally important to realize that weakness, too, corrupts. Power corrupts the few, while weakness corrupts the many. Hatred, malice, rudeness, intolerance, and suspicion are the faults of weakness. The resentment of the weak does not spring from any injustice done to them but from the sense of inadequacy and impotence. They hate not wickedness but weakness. When it is their power to do so, the weak destroy weakness wherever they see it."

"Self-contempt, however vague, sharpens our eyes for the imperfections of others. We usually strive to reveal in others the blemishes we hide in ourselves."

"It is loneliness that makes the loudest noise. This is as true of men as of dogs."

"Our greatest weariness comes from work not done."

"Nature has no compassion. Nature accepts no excuses and the only punishment it knows is death."

"If it is a virtue to love my neighbor as a human being, it must be a virtue — and not a vice — to love myself, since I am a human being, too."

"Man’s only legitimate end in life is to finish God’s work — to bring to full growth the capacities and talents implanted in us."

"Good judgment in our dealings with others consists not in seeing through deceptions and evil intentions but in being able to waken the decency dormant in every person."

Take from those quotes what you will. Remember that you, as a Mason, are on a path of self-improvement every day. Do better today than yesterday and support those around you, encouraging them to do the same.

Brian Viehland, PM
Worshipful Master
Pentalpha Lodge No. 194