What intelligent being, what being capable of responding to a beautiful sight, can look at the jagged, silvery lunar crescent trembling in the azure sky, even through the weakest of telescopes, and not be struck by it in an intensely pleasurable way, not feel cut off from everyday life here on Earth and transported toward that first stop on celestial journeys? What thoughtful soul could look at brilliant Jupiter with its four attendant satellites, or splendid Saturn encircled by its mysterious ring, or a double star glowing scarlet and sapphire in the infinity of night, and not be filled with a sense of wonder? Yes indeed, if humankind – from humble farmers in the fields and toiling workers in the cities, to teachers, people of independent means, those who have reached the pinnacle of fame or fortune – if they knew what profound inner pleasure awaits those who gaze at the heavens, then France, nay, the whole world, would be covered with telescopes instead of bayonets, thereby promoting universal happiness and peace. – Camille Flammarion, 1880
Recent Posts
Sanctifying With Grace
Fifteen years ago, the NASA space shuttle Challenger exploded seventy-three seconds after take-off, with the loss of the entire crew. Two engineers from the firm of rocket manufacturers had had serious reservations about the craft taking off, believing that the … Continue reading →
Wisdom, Strength and Beauty
From the time when I was initiated, I found myself fascinated by the three ‘lesser lights’. I understand why the three greater lights are the ‘greats’ of Freemasonry. The Volume of the Sacred Lore, the Square and Compasses – these … Continue reading →
The Day of Small Things
A year ago I wrote an article on wisdom, strength and beauty, the three pillars which support a Freemason’s lodge. As we know, they are emblematically present in our lodges in the form of the three lesser lights. The Master’s … Continue reading →
Our Deeds Still Travel with Us
Worshipful Junior Warden, whence come you? From the east Right Worshipful Master. Worshipful Senior Warden, whither directing your course? Towards the west, Right Worshipful Master. Worshipful Junior Warden, what inducement have you to leave the east and go to the … Continue reading →
Freedom in Trust
I continue to be fascinated by this contradiction: before initiation we are a part of the bedrock, not yet removed from the quarry. As a result of initiation we become an individual, a rough ashlar. And yet initiation makes us … Continue reading →
Neither Bending Towards Injustice
During a university lecture on the works of the novelist Gustav Flaubert, one of the students, not very fluent in French, was reading an English-language translation of Madame Bovary, half-concealed, under the table. The lecturer spotted it and said to … Continue reading →
Books by Julian Rees
