Being Mortal – Medicine and What Matters in the End

Jan 12, 2025 | Masonic Book Review, Masonic Education

“Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End”

By Dr. Atul Gawande

The drama of the human condition is fully encapsulated with the mystery of death and what lies beyond. Yet, how we approach the mystery itself is a question that requires a deeper and more intimate appraisal of our own mortality. And more deeply, our personal story leading to that point. It is these questions that the physician, Dr. Atul Gawande, approaches in his book, “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End.”

Dr. Gawande’s book is a mixture of exposition and memoir delving into the development of our modern conception of death, the ethical considerations, and the many instiututional hurdles that often interfere or miss the true important. Among the topics explored, the discussion on the medicalization of dying reminded me of experiences I had during my medical training. In his work, Gawande criticizes the tendency to medicalize aging and dying, leading to unnecessary interventions that can sometimes prolong suffering instead of providing comfort and dignity. This preoccupation with treatment to avoid difficult conversations or what I call “treat to deflect” reduces patient autonomy, choice, and the ability to confront death in a meaningful way for themselves and those closest to the patient’s life. As a physician in training, this observation has taught me the value of stories and community in my own life as well as the patient’s I help. The greatest gift I can provide a patient facing death is the courage to embrace death and not seek after treatments that will only prolong their suffering. As one elderly patient taught me, the longing to live is built on a castle of hurt. This patient had a worsening clinical course complicated from his diabetes leading to several amputations and persistent bleeding. It was likely he would have his entire limb amputated and suffer additional infections and complications that would end his life. It was a conversation that I saw the surgical staff avoid addressing directly. The patient was visibly distraught and unsure how to proceed.

By creating a space to open up, my patient expressed feelings of regret, shame, and inadequacy. He felt robbed of the chance of having more time to ask the big questions in life. As he told me, to think about God and find the true meaning of living within. In our conversation, I realized that me engaging with him, listening, and being honest about not knowing opened his heart a bit more. I let myself be vulnerable by telling him that his life mattered because he was teaching me already to be a good doctor. Despite our differences, we both feared death and faced life’s most difficult questions each day we live. I was showing him and myself that we were simply human beings. Not patient and doctor. Two human beings trying to figure out this journey called life. I happen to have skills to help. He had the stories and experiences to share. After his sister and other relatives came to talk with him about his choice, he eventually agreed to go on hospice and palliative care. His face looked completely different. The man I saw this morning was replaced with someone who was alive, happy, and had his personality back. His unkempt hair showed more of his personality that I had overlooked before. And the patient was grateful that someone listened and spoke to his heart rather than his head. As Masons, the journey of finding harmony between the head and the heart comes from the confrontation of death described in the third degree. However, it is a journey that asks each of us the integrity and character by which we live. It asks us to engage with the difficult questions of life. Sometimes, for many years without a complete answer. But within that journey, the true meaning and expression of the divine we harbor comes forth through the way we act, live, and help those in need. It is expressed in ourselves and valuing this life that we live. The aforementioned patient reminds me that life’s biggest questions are a reflection of the divine exploration we are called to participate in. The human quest for truth and light is a reflection of the divine journey. It is a reminder that this life is one of a series of events and moments to come. What matters is looking beyond the physical and finding that purpose within that will carry us forth now and into the future. The promise of continued exploration and journey with the divine. To be both the answer and question to the divine journey that we have yet to fully understand.

Written by: Bro. Jonathan Kopel

Bro. Kopel is a MD PhD in his neurology residency in Washington DC. He is a member at Potomac Lodge #5 and Benjamin B. French Lodge #15 of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC.

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The Secret of Our Success – How Culture Is Driving Human Evolution, Domesticating Our Species, and Making Us Smarter

Jan 6, 2025 | Masonic Book Review, Masonic Education

“The Secret of Our Success”

by Joseph Heinrich

Unlike other authors, Heinrich’s exploration on cultural evolution provides surprising insight into the workings of the Craft and some of the subtle lessons embodied in the first three degrees. One might say that the idea of cultural evolution is an integral part of what makes Freemasonry a prime example of how group dynamics and traditions are passed down and modified accordingly to preserve wisdom and spiritual insights relevant for each generation of newly raised Brothers.

In “The Secret of Our Success,” Henrich takes a unique perspective on the success of human beings that differs from the popular conception of human evolution, which regularly alludes to our increased brain capacity. Although important, Heinrich argues that the key to human evolutionary success lies not in individual intelligence, but in our unique ability to collectively learn and share knowledge through culture. Rather than relying on a singular individual, human beings have a unique and uncanny ability to transmit knowledge, traditions and wisdom through each generation. Together, these collective traditions coalesce into a “collective brain” that allows for cumulative cultural evolution, where complex technologies, social norms and knowledge build upon each other across generations.

Heinrich repeatedly alludes to several aspects of cultural evolution, such as cultural intelligence, cumulative cultural evolution, a collective brain, cultural innovation and cultural influences on genetics, which explain a large portion of the success of the human race. These examples illustrate how our collective knowledge, shared across a group, acts like a “super brain” that surpasses individual cognitive abilities. As with Stonemasons, previous generations did not have to reinvent the working tools to build their physical and spiritual temples. Instead, the Masonic Fraternity has found that collective memory can be shared through symbols and rituals that both preserve spiritual insights while allowing for the individual journey to manifest and unfold through these traditions handed down from generation to generation. Within the Craft, the relationships formed with older members with deep memories in both the history and ritual, help to maintain and share these traditions through both oral and written traditions. One might say that Freemasonry is a great example of the power and potency that cultural evolution has played in the success and achievements of our species against the formidable forces of nature and other processes. Yet, on a deeper and more spiritual level, the idea of cultural evolution reminds me of the many mentors, both Masonic and non-Masonic, that shaped my own growth as a professional and as a person. As a Master Mason, my success, both spiritual and professional, is truly laid by the work of those who came before me, who continue to guide and teach me the skills and attitudes necessary to follow the God has outlined. Through this interplay, we personally arrive at the conclusion that the path of spiritual enlightenment is both an individual and social good bestowed by God in the narrative of our own life story. The lesson learned is that spiritual life is a beautiful connection of the human race and the Almighty’s universe. A wondrous cacophony of the past, present, and future mixed together in the unfolding spiritual lessons being transferred and expanded on with each generation.

Written by: Bro. Jonathan Kopel

Bro. Kopel is a MD PhD in his neurology residency in Washington DC. He is a member at Potomac Lodge #5 and Benjamin B. French Lodge #15 of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC.

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Masonic Ritual – When do we become Masons?

Jan 4, 2025 | Ask The Custodians of The Work, Masonic Education, Masonic Ritual

MASONIC RITUAL

When do we become Masons?

MASONIC RITUAL EXPLAINED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CUSTODIANS OF THE WORK

Is it only after the whole Degree is performed? What happens if there is a hurricane and the First Degree has to be called off after the First Section? Is the candidate an Entered Apprentice Mason or not?

In the Grand Lodge of New York,

I recently was asked an interesting question by a Brother who wanted to know when in the Rituals we become Masons, Entered Apprentices, Fellowcrafts, Master Masons. Is it only after the whole Degree is performed? What happens if there is a hurricane and the First Degree has to be called off after the First Section? Is the candidate an Entered Apprentice Mason or not?

The answer is fairly simple and straightforward, but it does raise some interesting points for contemplation. If a Degree is conferred upon us but for whatever reason the lectures and other distinctive elements that contain the majority of the emblems and allegories of each Degree are omitted, are we really Entered Apprentices or Fellowcrafts or Master Masons? There certainly is an argument to be made that a Brother who hasn’t journeyed into the Middle Chamber is not really a Fellowcraft. Certainly a Brother who had missed out on important elements such as these would have been deprived of the beauty and lessons of the Degree, and in a sense could be considered “not as much” an Entered Apprentice or Fellowcraft or Master Mason as one who had received this Masonic Light.

These are interesting things to think about, but in the final analysis we find the answer provided by the Ritual itself: When the Entered Apprentice catechisms ask, “What makes you a Mason?” the answer is, “My obligation.” Once an obligation has been taken the candidate becomes an Entered Apprentice or Fellowcraft or Master Mason, as the case may be. This gives rise to one of my favorite parts in the First Degree: After the candidates have taken the Entered Apprentice obligation and the cable-tow has been removed, the Master leans forward to ask what he most desires and begins with, “my Brother.” This is the first time he has been called a Brother, and the moment the obligation has been completed therefore marks the dividing line between a profane and a Mason.

Response provided by RW Samuel Lloyd Kinsey
Chairman, Custodians of the Work, Grand Lodge of New York

Note: This site is an excellent source of information about Freemasonry. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information about Masonic Ritual, please remember that a website is not a substitute for your jurisdiction’s Standard Work or Approved Ritual.

The Evolution of God by Robert Wright

Dec 24, 2024 | Masonic Education, Masonic Ritual

MASONIC BOOK REVIEW

“The Evolution of God” by Robert Wright

“I was praying to Allah that I would finally be able to go to rehab”. My patient had waited over a week waiting for a placement at a local rehabilitation center. He was more than ecstatic for approval. As a Christian, I had been praying myself for the last week. Each facility had declined for one reason or another. I found it rather curious that both of us had prayed to our separate creators for intervention and that, somehow, it worked out well. I found it rather ironic and humorous. Was it Allah and the God of Christianity working together across our faith traditions? Did Allah and the God of Christianity have a sparring match over who would do the deed? Or was it something much more common in our attempts to address the same divine being in our own traditions and languages?

In residency, such topics are a part of my own evolution as a person and a physician when handling difficult circumstances and the vast uncertainties inherent to the Craft of medicine. Such discussions reminded me of Robert Wright’s, “The Evolution of God“, and its overlap to elements of the Middle Chamber Lecture. Among the topics explored, Wright argues that the evolution of God mirrors a growing moral compass as human beings explore, understand, and interact with more cultural groups. This is further compounded by the expansion of technological and scientific development since the industrial revolution. For Wright, the Evolution of God mirrors generation’s attempt to answer life’s deepest existential questions while, simultaneously, address the concerns and struggles of the time. Through each period, the understanding of God, though imperfect in its progression, expands to include a larger proportion of humanity under the scope of its inclusion. This progression and development, according to Wright, may indicate an interesting higher purpose and transcendent moral order that human beings have become more aware of through the expansion of their social, cognitive, and moral framework.

It is this observation that made me reflect on my experiences as a doctor and the Middle Chamber Lecture exploring the orders of architecture. I’ve always found this portion curious amid the other areas explored in the preceding degree. Yet, within its narrative structure, shows a beautiful discussion on the development of the human person and, possibly, our species own awareness of the divine life and moral character that becomes apparent through our struggles and interactions with other cultures and groups. As in the lecture, each column has its own variety and richness that progress and expands overtime and cultures.

Through my exploration of other interpretations, I believe the following mirrors my own understanding as a Mason, physician, and fellow human being. In this framework, the orders of architecture are a symbol for our continued development of our spiritual and moral framework to adjust to the needs of others and our own moral framework through our interaction with Divine knowledge, power, and love. The first orders of architecture, representing Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty, and, the last two, representing harmony and perfection. Yet, the question remains: how is this faculty developed? Within the Craft, the answer is both obvious and simple: through expanding our understanding of community and our relationships within it. Through intermingling of differences, the orders of architecture reflect a growing complexity, beauty, and strength found when human beings come together for a common purpose. In this context, a greater reflection of our awareness of the divine love and compassion across generations.

Yet, I am aware, more so as a resident, the vast inequalities and injustices that society, culture, and religion continues to perpetuate. In a world that struggles with seeing the larger scope of humanity, it appears that we often lose sight of the moral fiber that connects us all to that which we have difficult fully articulating: God. Through my interactions with patients, the narrative of Orders of Architecture reflect my own growth in understanding God beyond my initial conceptions. With my patients, I’ve witnessed how important such questions reflect my own development and exposure to the human condition. From confronting the existential questions of death, the anguishing regret of having little time to fully explore the big philosophical questions near the end of life, and winding paths of patient’s lives as they seek to understand this human experience, my understanding of God has also changed.

As Robert Wright observed, it is through community, hardship, and struggle that I was forced to grow in love, compassion, and forgiveness for imperfections of my patients and myself. Rather than God changing, it was changing the perspective by which I approached the divine. As with my patient, it is in the shared desire and awareness of the greater spiritual meaning of what we had embarked on together. The beauty of medicine, life, and the Craft is discovered when people from all walks of life work together for a common good. When the hierarchies of life and society fall away and love comes forth, I believe that is where true love and meaning is found. As a Mason, it is the common theme of love that has fascinated me more about people of other faiths and myself. Despite our differences, love binds us all together. I believe that to be the true reflection of the Divine.

Written by: Bro. Jonathan Kopel

Bro. Kopel is a MD PhD in his second year of neurology residency in Washington DC. Currently a member at Potomac Lodge #5 and Benjamin B. French Lodge #15 of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC.

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Self Improvement in Freemasonry

Dec 22, 2024 | Masonic Education, Masonic Ritual

MASONIC EDITORIAL

Learning to Improve Myself in Masonry

I’ve often wondered since progressing through the degrees what “subdue my passions and improve myself in Masonry” truly means. What labors must one undertake? Does it mean from that moment until my last I should spend my time reflecting on the history, philosophy and symbolism behind the degrees I have undergone? I suppose those are a part of it. As humans we never truly stop learning, so I am sure that is the way it goes on our Masonic journey.

As an Entered Apprentice Mason, I was given a strong foundation to build upon as I continued from darkness to the Light of Masonry. A lot of this is accomplished through fellowship, and the study of, and participation in, ritual. By studying, listening to lectures, and contributing to degree work when I could, I learned the importance of the Working Tools and symbols in a more meaningful way. What is it about going to lodge that makes us better people? The meals, the Opening and Closing, the Secretary and Treasurer reports?

As I progressed through the degrees, certain phrases struck me because they sounded archaic and unusual. They were hard to understand, like a new language, but as I heard them more, my comprehension improved, and I realized I was learning every time I went to lodge. This is why it is important to attend and to memorize the work. Repetition and memorization help us comprehend the Masonic vocabulary. When the ritual is performed brilliantly, the words sound beautiful and poetic. In the beginning, many of us think memorization is either for the proficiency needed to advance through the degrees or for helping with the lodge’s ritual work. There must be more to it than that. The prose must be more than just pretty words.

Photo: (Left to Right) Bros. Michael Anthony Capparello and Russell W. Dickson (author)

I have heard that ritual’s real purpose is to provide us a roadmap to the East. I think the words and phrases are designed to pique our interest and encourage us to research their meanings. The floor work also is important, as officers discover in their respective stations and places. Sometimes, when performing my officer part, I’d feel discouraged because no matter how hard I’d try, I’d always have a Past Master correcting me. This too is part of the learning process whether I like it or not. Sometimes, two Past Masters approach me while disagreeing with each other — or worse, correct me when they were wrong and I was right. No one ever said the road East was easy, but I’m learning every day how that lesson is important.

These brothers were taught from the beginning of their own journeys the importance of these things and they were just trying to help me, so I try to listen and reflect no matter how hard it can be sometimes. To subdue our passions is another upright step in our journey, a means to be better men and to control ourselves by not taking things to excess—food, drink, smoking, gambling, our relationships. These things, if taken to extremes, fill our lives with darkness instead of Light. Each of us must learn what in ourselves to subdue. What we learn in Masonry will help us identify which passions we need to control. As we say, if our faith being in God is well founded with prayer and self-reflection, then success is ours for the taking. Each upright step helps us improve ourselves through life.

Photo: (Left to Right) Bros. Russell W. Dickson (author) and Paul Meher

Written by: Bro. Russell W. Dickson
Bro. Dickson is the Senior Deacon in St. Patrick’s Lodge 4 and is at labor in Collabergh-Radium 859, both in New York. He is a Royal Arch Mason in Hiram Union Chapter 53, and is a 32° Scottish Rite Mason at the Valley of Schenectady, where he serves as Senior Warden of Sigma Council Princes of Jerusalem.

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