The character of an individual can be appraised by the personal pronouns he habitually uses. Someone who constantly uses the assertive I is an egotist. His view tends to be narrow and selfish. The person who uses they is detached and unconcerned, an idle observer. Typically, this type of person says "They do this or that. They run the city or Lodge. They are to blame. They people are everywhere. They watch others at work, criticize any plan, see a plot behind every action. These inept individuals also employ but. They are constantly prepared to but almost every new idea or proposal. Say to them, "This is a fine Lodge," and the response will be, "Yes, but—."

A third classification of persons is we people. The we philosophy promotes happiness in the family, builds teamwork, wins games, and carries projects to success. The we doctrine turns any Lodge into an effective and inspiring institution. "We, the people" is the immortal introduction of the Preamble of the Constitution.

Both the I and they views are negative and fall short, whereas the we spirit promotes togetherness, sharing, and cooperation. The we spirit is present in spiritually and emotionally sound minds, and it is the core of a morally and ethically healthy organization or society. That is why the pronoun we expresses the very essence of Freemasonry.

The great prophets, sages, teachers, and scholars studied in the Scottish Rite speak of we. The Holy Saints John, King Solomon, and the Master of Nazareth speak of we. The Masonic Lodge opens with prayer, and the Chaplain says, "In Thy name we have assembled, and in Thy name we desire to proceed in all of our doings." Our Lodge closes with prayer, and the Chaplain says, "We beseech Thee that we may ever practice that Charity which is the bond of peace." As a poet said: "When you commune with God in His holy shrine, Or in your private solitude instead, God will reign in all His might and power, When all will pray not mine or thine, but our."

Emanuel B. Geiger is a retired merchant and a Mason for over 40 years. He is a Past Master of Unity Lodge No. 267, Houma, La., and a member of the Baton Rouge Scottish Rite Bodies where he is a Past Master of Kadosh. Among many other Masonic offices, he is a Past High Priest of Brashear Chapter No. 82, Past Illustrious Master of Houma Council No. 49, Past Worthy Patron of A. W. Connelly Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, Past Chairman of the Advisory Board of Aubin Buquet Chapter of DeMolay, and Past Illustrious Grand Master of Cryptic Masons of the State of Louisiana having served 1999–2000.