Freemasonry and The Philosophers of Old: Masonic Symbolism and Ancient Philosophical Practice

By Glen Roberts

Freemasonry and the Philosophers of Old argues that Masonic symbolism and ritual embody the same wisdom teachings found in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy. The book systematically pairs Masonic working tools and symbols with philosophical concepts: the Square with Pythagorean geometry and cosmic order, the Rough Ashlar with Stoic resilience, the Columns with Plato's tripartite soul, the Compass with reason's governance of the passions, and the Level with mortality and human equality.

The central thesis is that both Freemasonry and ancient philosophy are practical systems for self-transformation-the journey from "rough ashlar" to "perfect ashlar," from potentiality to actualization. The book explores how Masonic ritual functions as contemplative practice, creating conditions for genuine transformation rather than merely conveying information. It draws extensively on Aristotle's ethics, Platonic metaphysics, Stoic discipline, Pythagorean mysticism, and Neoplatonic ascent.

Key themes include: virtue as habituated practice, the necessity of community for moral development (the lodge as polis), the progressive revelation of esoteric knowledge, the winding path of gradual enlightenment, and death-and-rebirth as the structure of initiatory transformation. The book presents Freemasonry as a living continuation of ancient mystery traditions, offering modern seekers a structured path toward wisdom, self-mastery, and human flourishing (eudaimonia).

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GDV9K2ST
• ISBN13: 9798242389366
• Release Date: January 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 206 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"