C. Fred Kleinknecht, 33°
Sovereign Grand Commander

The goal of the Scottish Rite is not data, but understanding; not information, but wisdom.

While making my way through an airport recently, I was struck by the fact that almost every man had a telephone dangling from his belt, and, judging by the number of ladies I saw using cellular phones, almost every woman carried one in her purse. Those who did not have telephones had pagers. Others had both. And in the waiting lounge, many sat hunched over laptop computers engaged in all manner of electronic communication. Between the Internet and e-mail, it has never been easier or faster to be in touch with anyone, anywhere. Without question, we are talking more than we ever have, but I wonder if we are communicating as well as talking?

Sometimes a Brother will ask me if I think the Scottish Rite as now communicated—its elaborate Degrees, symbols, allegories, language, and ceremonies—is relevant in an electronic society. Would it not be better to develop something more in touch with the times, Degrees in virtual reality, say, or lessons taught through e-mail?

Such a question misses the point. The goal of the Scottish Rite is understanding, not data; wisdom, not information. Those are very different things and obtained in very different ways.

For example, the annual stockholders report of a corporation contains a great deal of data, page after page of numbers. Data is in abundance, but it is useless unless the reader possesses understanding. For such a reader those numbers tell many stories—how the plans of management have worked, how the company is positioned in the marketplace, and how the wealth of the company is being used. For the reader with a yet deeper understanding, the data reveals the company's philosophy and values. Without understanding, the numbers are simply patterns of ink on paper. No amount of data can substitute for understanding and its result, wisdom, whether in conducting a business or taking the Scottish Rite Degrees.

The daily papers contain a tidal wave of information, but you will search in vain for wisdom. Wisdom is developed only when you have looked at the information, thoughtfully evaluated it, applied your own ethical and moral standards, leavened it with humility, and seasoned it with perspective. Ultimately, wisdom is what the Scottish Rite Degrees offer and, unfortunately, there are no shortcuts. E-talk, in whatever form, is becoming faster and faster. But understanding and wisdom take time and effort—as does creating a sound, full, and productive life.

And that is why the Scottish Rite is relevant today. Men still need to live, not just exist. Gaining understanding is not as fast or as easy as using a cell phone or computer. Wisdom takes time and study. That is why there are so many Scottish Rite Degrees. But remember, you are building a better, wiser, happier life. No small job for anyone!