4 ms·
(Disclaimer: I'm a freemason. I wrote a few lines here about what it's like to be a freemason today: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=16153129 https://news.
by BjoernKW 9y ago
(Disclaimer: I'm a freemason. I wrote a few lines here about what it's like to be a freemason today: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=16153129 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=16153129
If you have any questions please ask.)
Now that's one convoluted podcast. Starting at conflating stonemasonry with Freemasonry (Morgan was a bricklayer by the way, which is related but not equivalent to being a stonemason), segueing into conspiracy theories and finishing off at the supposed foundations of libertarianism in the US.
While for lack of reliable accounts much of what happened around William Morgan's death probably will remain uncertain William Morgan himself seems to have been a somewhat dubious character of questionable repute: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Morgan_(anti-Mason) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Morgan_(anti-Mason)
What becomes clear from both the podcast episode and the Wikipedia article though is that much of the anti-masonic sentiment around that time was rooted in religious and political ideas that weren't exactly egalitarian but whose originators rather worried about their own position in the new society that developed in 19th century USA.
- tptacek 9y agoWhat's the win to being a mason? What's it like? It's not something I've ever thought about, and it seems like there are a couple HN people involved in it. I'd love to be educated a bit about it!
- BjoernKW 9y agoIt's about becoming a better person, the best version of yourself. Lodge meetings, which usually take place once a week, are the main component of Freemasonry. These meetings consist of open discussions (excluding arguments about party politics and religion), someone giving a talk or merely sharing experiences that are interesting or noteworthy (e.g. like dealing with an ethically difficult situation in everyday life). Once a month there's a special meeting where the actual Masonic ritual takes place. This ritual basically is an allegorical play that - not unlike some meditation techniques - can help you with finding out more about yourself and about how to use your potential to live a worthwhile life. The wins probably vary from Freemason to Freemason. Apart from the perhaps more elusive ones like finding your purpose in life I'd say becoming more mindful, especially when it comes to ethics in everyday life is something many Freemasons would mention. Being able to openly discuss difficult matters without fear of being judged is another benefit as well as being accepted regardless of your personal background or origin. Freemasonry also allows you to get to know people from all walks of life and backgrounds that otherwise you perhaps wouldn't have met. Apart from being a great way to discover new ideas this can also help with becoming more tolerant towards others who don't necessarily share your background or points of view. There are many more practical benefits, too, like becoming a better public speaker. Giving talks is encouraged and lodge meetings are a great opportunity to give talks in a comfortable environment.
- oooooooooooooo 9y agoI have a question, do you know something about this case? http://indianexpress.com/article/blogs/cern-lord-shiva-human-sacrifice-act-riles-india-3000071/ http://indianexpress.com/article/blogs/cern-lord-shiva-human...