Study
The Square and Compasses in Ordinary Life
The square and compasses are teaching tools for everyday conduct: measuring actions against a standard and keeping desires within proper limits.
The square and compasses are teaching tools for everyday conduct. The square invites a member to measure actions against a standard of right, and the compasses invite him to keep desires and passions within proper limits.
In Freemasonry these two tools appear in the emblem of the craft and in many lodge teachings. Their meaning is not confined to the lodge room. The same questions of measure and restraint arise at work, at home and in public life.
Example: a member offered a tempting favour at work can ask whether it would stand the test of daylight, and whether he would be willing to explain it to his family. That is the square and compasses applied to an ordinary afternoon.