The Enduring Mystery of Freemasonry

The most enduring point of public fascination and controversy revolves around the nature of its "secrets." Freemasons consistently assert that they are not a "secret society," but rather a "society with secrets," arguing that their aims, principles, and membership rolls are generally public knowledge. The true secrets they guard are the means of recognition—the specific grips (handshakes), passwords, and signs used during their degree ceremonies to allow one Mason to verify the legitimacy of another, a tradition inherited from the operative days. While these rituals and oaths were famously exposed in print as early as the 18th century, the esoteric language and the traditional, blood-curdling penalties sworn in the ancient obligations continue to feed external paranoia, giving the impression that truly world-changing knowledge is concealed within the inner circles.