Masonic philosophy: Freemasonry is a fraternity or brotherhood – not a religious society – based on the belief that each person has a responsibility to help make the world a better place. Freemasonry encourages good men to become better men by promoting a life dedicated to high ideals, community service, and benevolence. Mason believe in the importance of religion; men of all faiths and religious beliefs are members of the organization. Freemasonry celebrates ethnic diversity and welcomes men of all racial backgrounds. Membership in the fraternity is comprised of all nationalities and faiths, and there are several California Lodges whose members are primarily of Chinese, Filipino, and Jewish heritage. Masons are deeply involved in helping people. Their compassion for others manifests itself in many ways, from housing neglected and abused children to helping seniors remain independent. Masons contribute more than $1.4 million every day in the United States to aid individuals who are sick, aged, or destitute, or whose physical, emotional, and psychological needs are not being met. The vast majority of Masonic philanthropies assist people who are not Masons. Masonic principles: • Act with honor and integrity in everything you do • Believe in a Supreme Being and keep faith in the center of your life • Be tolerant and considerate of different religious, social, and political views • Strive to leave the world a better place than when you entered it • Practice mutual help – give and accept help when it’s needed • Uphold and maintain the principles of good government; oppose divisive and degrading influences, and be a good citizen • Value self-improvement over financial success • Remain good at heart • Strive to live a brotherly life Who are Masons? Many of the United States’ – and the world’s – most respected men have been Masons. These accomplished individuals include: Astronauts: Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin,Wally Schirra, Gordon Cooper, Virgil Grissom Authors and Poets: Robert Burns, Voltaire, Sir Walter Scott, Goethe, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Mark Twain, Rudyard Kipling Aviators: Charles Lindbergh, James H. Doolittle, Eddie Rickenbacker Business Leaders: J.C. Penney, Henry Ford, Dave Thomas, John Wanamaker Composers: John Philip Sousa, George M. Cohen, Irving Berlin,Wolfgang Mozart Entertainers: Roy Rogers, Clark Gable, Oliver Hardy, John Wayne, Eddie Cantor, Al Jolson, Arthur Godfrey, Red Skelton, Danny Thomas, Burl Ives, Jonathan Winters, Duke Ellington Explorers: Lewis and Clark, Commodore Perry, Admiral Byrd Frontiersmen: Kit Carson, Buffalo Bill Cody, Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie Military Leaders: The Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill, Admiral John Paul Jones, Marquis de Lafayette, General Douglas McArthur, Paul Revere, Simon Bolivar, Benito Juarez, Sam Houston, Napoleon Bonaparte, Peter the Great Presidents: George Washington and 13 others, including Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Gerald Ford Eight signers of the Declaration of Independence, eight signers of the Articles of Confederation and 13 signers of the U.S. Constitution, including Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock.