In His Own (w)Rite
Papers on the Scottish Rite and
Philosophy of Freemasonry
by Michael R. Poll
Cornerstone Publishers, 2011
Notes by Travis Simpkins
In His Own (w)Rite: Papers on the Scottish Rite and Philosophy of Freemasonry is a collection of well-presented essays. Like other Cornerstone books by Michael Poll, it is amongst the most sincere and relatable Masonic books I have had the pleasure of reading. In addition to being full of sound advice and thoughtful observations on Freemasonry in the current time, it contains valuable historical lessons gleaned from years of studying the unique background of Masonry in New Orleans. However, the true jewels of the text reside within the personal anecdotes of the author. Michael Poll is able to expound seemingly complex topics in the framework of everyday witty analogies.
Beyond Scottish Rite history, the diverse scope of topics range from the Art of Change to overcoming the problems of Dyslexia. On a side note, many of these topics are also covered in video form on Michael Poll's YouTube channel for the New Orleans Scottish Rite College (also a valuable resource for all Masons).
One of my favorite chapters is "Integrity in Masonry." Within those pages are offered valuable insights into Masonic ritual and how it relates to life. Poll states, "If anyone has ever told us that being a Mason is easy, then they misled us. There will be times when we find it most difficult to live up to our teachings. But, as we are so often told, it is the journey that is most important, not the final goal."
I also found pause for thought in the essay, "What is Truth?" Poll offers, "When our ego allows us to see clearly, we realize that Masonry is better than us. Masonry is not improved because of our membership; we are improved because of our membership."
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| In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry |
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| In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. New Orleans Scottish Rite College |
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| In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry |
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| In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry |
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| In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry: Albert Pike |
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| In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry |
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| In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry |
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| In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry |
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| In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry: Cornerstone Book Publishers |
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| In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry |
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| In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry: Albert Pike |
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| In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry |
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| In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry |
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| In His Own (w)Rite. Michael R. Poll. Scottish Rite Freemasonry: Albert Pike |
