The Founding Principles

The Founding Principles of the United States

1. Enlightenment Philosophy:
   • Key Figures: John Locke, Montesquieu, Voltaire, Rousseau.
   • Impact: Enlightenment ideas about reason, individual rights, and the social contract were foundational. Locke’s concepts of natural rights and government by consent directly influenced the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
2. Classical Antiquity:
   • Key Sources: Writings of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers and historians, such as Aristotle, Cicero, and Polybius.
   • Impact: The Founders drew on classical ideas about democracy, republicanism, and civic virtue, which informed their vision of a balanced government.
3. British Constitutional Tradition:
   • Key Documents: Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, and the writings of British legal theorists like William Blackstone.
   • Impact: The British legal and constitutional tradition provided a framework for understanding rights and governance, influencing the development of American legal and political systems.
4. Freemasonry:
   • Key Sources: On June 24, 1717, representatives from four London lodges met at the Goose and Gridiron Alehouse in St. Paul’s Churchyard, London, to form a Grand Lodge. This was the first time that multiple lodges came together to create a central governing body, which was a pivotal step in organizing Freemasonry into a structured institution.
   • Impact: Freemasonry provided a network and shared values that resonated with Enlightenment ideals.

The Founding Fathers of the United States were influenced by these intellectual, cultural, and historical factors.. Freemasonry, a fraternal organization with roots in the late 16th to early 17th centuries, had a notable influence. While not all of the Founding Fathers were Freemasons, several prominent figures were members, and the principles of Freemasonry did influence their thinking and the founding documents.

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The Ancient Origins of Freemasonry

Manly P. Hall, a well-known author and mystic, explored the origins and symbolism of Freemasonry in his works, particularly in “The Secret Teachings of All Ages.” Hall viewed Freemasonry as a repository of ancient wisdom and esoteric knowledge, tracing its roots back to ancient mystery schools and philosophical traditions. Here are some key points from Hall’s perspective on the origins of Masonry:

1. Ancient Mystery Schools: Hall suggested that Freemasonry is a continuation of the ancient mystery schools of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. These schools were centers of learning where initiates were taught spiritual and philosophical truths.
2. Symbolism and Allegory: He emphasized the importance of symbolism and allegory in Masonic rituals, viewing them as tools for conveying deeper truths and spiritual insights. Hall believed that Masonic symbols were derived from ancient traditions and held universal meanings.
3. Philosophical Lineage: Hall connected Freemasonry to a lineage of philosophical thought, including influences from Hermeticism, Neoplatonism, and other esoteric traditions. He saw Masonry as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern spiritual practices.
4. Moral and Ethical Teachings: According to Hall, Freemasonry’s teachings focus on moral and ethical development, encouraging members to pursue personal growth and enlightenment. He believed that these teachings were aligned with the principles of the ancient mysteries.
5. Universal Brotherhood: Hall highlighted the Masonic ideal of universal brotherhood, which transcends religious and cultural differences. He saw this as a reflection of the ancient belief in the unity of humanity.

Overall, Manly P. Hall viewed Freemasonry as a custodian of ancient wisdom, preserving and transmitting esoteric knowledge through its rituals and teachings. His writings often explore the deeper philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Masonry, emphasizing its connection to a broader tradition of mystical and philosophical thought.

Key Founding Fathers Who Were Freemasons

The Founding Fathers of the United States were influenced by a variety of intellectual, cultural, and historical factors.

1. George Washington: Perhaps the most famous Freemason among the Founding Fathers, Washington was initiated into the Fredericksburg Lodge in Virginia in 1752. He remained an active Mason throughout his life and participated in Masonic ceremonies, including the laying of the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol.
2. Benjamin Franklin: Franklin was a prominent Freemason, having joined the St. John’s Lodge in Philadelphia in 1731. He was deeply involved in Masonic activities and even served as the Grand Master of the Masons in Pennsylvania. His diplomatic work in France also connected him with French Freemasons.
3. John Hancock: Known for his bold signature on the Declaration of Independence, Hancock was a member of the Masonic Lodge of St. Andrew in Boston.
4. Paul Revere: Famous for his midnight ride, Revere was an active Freemason and served as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.
5. James Monroe: The fifth President of the United States, Monroe was also a Freemason, initiated in Williamsburg Lodge No. 6 in Virginia.

Masonic Principles and Influence

1. Enlightenment Ideals: Freemasonry is closely associated with Enlightenment ideals such as reason, liberty, and the pursuit of knowledge. These principles align with the philosophical underpinnings of the American Revolution and the founding documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
2. Symbolism and Ritual: Masonic symbolism and rituals emphasize moral integrity, civic responsibility, and the importance of community, which resonated with the values of many Founding Fathers.
3. Networks and Connections: Freemasonry provided a network for influential individuals to meet, exchange ideas, and collaborate on political and social projects. This network may have facilitated communication and cooperation among the Founding Fathers.
4. Commitment to Religious Tolerance: Freemasonry promotes religious tolerance and the separation of church and state, principles that are reflected in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

While Freemasonry may not have been the primary influence on the Founding Fathers, its principles and networks played a role in shaping the ideas and relationships that contributed to the founding of the United States. The Masonic commitment to Enlightenment ideals, civic duty, and religious tolerance resonated with the broader intellectual and cultural currents of the time, helping to inform the development of the new nation.

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Key Founding Mothers

The role of women in the founding era of the United States, while often overlooked in traditional narratives, was significant in various ways. Women contributed to the American Revolution and the early republic through their actions, writings, and influence. Here are some key aspects of their involvement:

1. Political Influence and Advocacy:
   • Abigail Adams: As the wife of John Adams, Abigail Adams is well-known for her extensive correspondence with her husband, in which she advocated for women’s rights and famously urged him to “remember the ladies” when drafting new laws.
   • Mercy Otis Warren: A political writer and propagandist, Warren wrote plays, poems, and essays that supported the Patriot cause and criticized British rule. Her works helped shape public opinion during the Revolution.
2. Support for the War Effort:
   • Homemakers and Managers: Women managed farms and businesses in the absence of men who went to fight, ensuring economic stability and the production of necessary goods.
   • Fundraising and Supplies: Women organized fundraising efforts and collected supplies for the Continental Army. The Ladies Association of Philadelphia, led by Esther DeBerdt Reed, raised significant funds to support the troops.
3. Direct Participation:
   • Molly Pitcher: A nickname given to women who assisted soldiers on the battlefield, the most famous being Mary Ludwig Hays, who reportedly took her husband’s place at a cannon during the Battle of Monmouth.
   • Deborah Sampson: Disguised as a man, Sampson enlisted in the Continental Army and served for over a year before her gender was discovered.
4. Intellectual Contributions:
   • Phillis Wheatley: An enslaved African American poet, Wheatley gained international fame for her published works, which included themes of freedom and human rights.
   • Judith Sargent Murray: An early advocate for women’s education and equality, Murray wrote essays arguing for women’s intellectual capabilities and the need for equal educational opportunities.
5. Social and Cultural Impact:
   • Women played a crucial role in shaping the social and cultural fabric of the new nation, influencing family life, education, and community values.

While women did not have formal political power during the founding era, their contributions were vital to the success of the American Revolution and the establishment of the United States. Their efforts laid the groundwork for future movements toward gender equality and women’s rights.

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The Shameful Three-Fifths Compromise

Slavery had a profound and lasting impact on early America, shaping its economic, social, and political landscapes.

1. Economic Impact:
   • Foundation of Wealth: Slavery was integral to the economic development of the Southern colonies and states, where enslaved labor was the backbone of the agricultural economy, particularly in the production of cash crops like tobacco, rice, and cotton.
   • Northern Involvement: While slavery was more prevalent in the South, Northern states also benefited economically through industries related to the slave trade, such as shipping, banking, and manufacturing of goods used on plantations.
2. Social and Cultural Impact:
   • Racial Supremacy: Slavery entrenched ideologies of white supremacy, which justified the subjugation and dehumanization of African Americans. These ideologies persisted long after slavery was abolished.
   • Cultural Contributions: Enslaved Africans and their descendants contributed significantly to American culture, including music, cuisine, language, and religious practices, which have become integral parts of the national identity.
3. Political Impact:
   • Constitutional Compromises: The issue of slavery was a contentious topic during the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, leading to compromises such as the Three-Fifths Compromise, which determined how enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxation.
   • Sectional Tensions: Slavery was a major source of tension between Northern and Southern states, contributing to political conflicts that eventually led to the Civil War. Debates over the expansion of slavery into new territories and states were particularly divisive.
4. Human Impact:
   • Suffering and Resistance: The human cost of slavery was immense, with millions of Africans forcibly brought to America and subjected to brutal conditions. Enslaved people resisted in various ways, from everyday acts of defiance to organized rebellions.
   • Family and Community: Slavery disrupted family structures and communities, as enslaved people were often separated from their loved ones through sales and forced migrations.
5. Legacy:
   • The legacy of slavery continues to affect American society, contributing to ongoing racial disparities and injustices. The struggle for civil rights and racial equality has been a central theme in American history, rooted in the nation’s early reliance on enslaved labor.

The Three-Fifths Compromise was a pivotal agreement reached during the 1787 Constitutional Convention, which addressed how enslaved people would be counted for purposes of representation and taxation in the newly formed United States.

1. Background:
   • During the Constitutional Convention, there was significant debate over how to count the population for determining representation in the House of Representatives and for taxation purposes.
   • Southern states, where slavery was prevalent, wanted enslaved people to be fully counted to increase their representation in Congress, even though enslaved individuals had no rights or political power.
   • Northern states, where slavery was less common, argued that enslaved people should not be counted at all for representation since they were not considered citizens with voting rights.
2. The Compromise:
   • The Three-Fifths Compromise was a middle ground that determined that each enslaved person would be counted as three-fifths of a person for both representation and taxation.
   • This formula increased the political power of slaveholding states without granting full representation based on their enslaved populations.
3. Implications:
   • Political Power: The compromise gave Southern states more influence in the House of Representatives and the Electoral College than they would have had if only free persons were counted. This increased Southern political power in the federal government.
   • Legitimization of Slavery: By incorporating the Three-Fifths Compromise into the Constitution, the institution of slavery was indirectly acknowledged and legitimized at the national level.
   • Long-term Effects: The compromise contributed to sectional tensions between the North and South, as it highlighted the deep divisions over slavery. These tensions eventually culminated in the Civil War.

The specific historical records of the Constitutional Convention debates do not provide detailed accounts of whether other fractions for “a middle ground,” like one-half or two-thirds, were explicitly considered and debated before settling on three-fifths. The choice of three-fifths was likely influenced by a combination of factors, including political negotiation, precedent, and the need to reach a compromise that would be acceptable to both Northern and Southern states.

The three-fifths ratio was already familiar to some delegates due to its earlier proposal under the Articles of Confederation for tax purposes. This familiarity might have made it a more readily acceptable compromise during the Constitutional Convention.

While two-thirds super majorities are referenced in the Constitution for processes such as impeachment, treaty ratification, amendments, and overriding presidential vetoes, the 3:5 ratio stands out as a unique “middle ground” compromise concerning slavery.

Freemasons have long been acquainted with the Fibonacci series and the golden ratio (Phi), both of which are linked to aesthetics in nature and art. The 3:5 ratio, a component of this sequence, serves as a rough approximation of the reciprocal of Phi. However, there is no historical evidence that the golden ratio influenced the choice of the 3:5 ratio.

The Three-Fifths Compromise was a significant and controversial element of the U.S. Constitution, reflecting the complex and often contradictory attitudes toward slavery in early America. It underscored the challenges of creating a unified nation while grappling with the moral and political issues surrounding slavery. Slavery was a fundamental aspect of early America, influencing its development and leaving a complex legacy that the country continues to grapple with today.

Freemasonry and slavery

Freemasonry, as an organization, has long espoused the ideals of universal brotherhood, equality, and moral integrity. However, its historical stance on slavery is complex and varied, largely due to the decentralized nature of Masonic lodges and the influence of local cultural and societal norms.

1. Diverse Practices: Freemasonry is not a monolithic organization; it consists of numerous independent lodges and Grand Lodges worldwide. This means that practices and stances on issues like slavery could differ significantly from one lodge to another, especially in different countries or regions.
2. Moral Teachings: The core teachings of Freemasonry emphasize the equality of all men and the importance of moral and ethical behavior. These principles are inherently at odds with the institution of slavery, which is based on inequality and exploitation.
3. Historical Context: In the 18th and 19th centuries, when slavery was a contentious issue, some Masonic lodges in regions where slavery was prevalent did not explicitly oppose it. This was often due to the prevailing social and economic norms of the time, which influenced the attitudes of individual Masons and lodges.
4. Abolitionist Masons: Despite this, there were many Freemasons who were active abolitionists and who used their influence to advocate against slavery. These individuals often drew on Masonic principles of brotherhood and equality to support their stance.
5. Modern Perspective: Today, Freemasonry universally condemns slavery and upholds the principles of human rights and equality. The organization reflects a commitment to the ideals of freedom and justice for all individuals.

In summary, while the ideals of Freemasonry are fundamentally opposed to slavery, historical practices varied, and the organization’s stance evolved over time, aligning more closely with its core principles of universal brotherhood and equality.

While there were rumors and some interest in his potential membership, Abraham Lincoln never joined the Masonic fraternity. There are anecdotes suggesting that he considered joining at various points in his life, but he never took the steps to become a member. Despite this, many Freemasons have admired Lincoln for his leadership and principles, which align with the values of integrity and equality that Freemasonry espouses.

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African American contributions
to the intellectual, cultural, and foundational aspects of the United States

African Americans have made significant contributions to the intellectual, cultural, and foundational aspects of the United States, even during the challenging periods of slavery and discrimination. Here are some key areas where their impact has been profound:

1. Intellectual Contributions:
   • Phillis Wheatley: As the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry in 1773, Wheatley demonstrated the intellectual capabilities and literary talents of African Americans during a time when they were largely denied education.
   • Benjamin Banneker: A self-taught astronomer and mathematician, Banneker is known for his role in surveying the boundaries of the original District of Columbia and for his almanacs, which included his astronomical calculations and social commentary.
2. Cultural Contributions:
   • Music and Oral Traditions: African Americans brought rich musical traditions from Africa, which evolved into spirituals, blues, jazz, and other genres that have become integral to American culture.
   • Folklore and Storytelling: African American oral traditions, including folktales and storytelling, have enriched American literature and cultural narratives.
3. Economic Contributions:
   • Labor and Agriculture: Enslaved Africans and African Americans were crucial to the economic development of the United States, particularly in agriculture, where their labor underpinned the prosperity of the Southern economy.
   • Craftsmanship and Skills: Many African Americans were skilled artisans, blacksmiths, and builders, contributing to the infrastructure and craftsmanship of early America.
4. Military Contributions:
   • Revolutionary War: African Americans fought in the Revolutionary War, with figures like Crispus Attucks, who is often regarded as the first casualty of the Boston Massacre, symbolizing their early involvement in the fight for American independence.
   • Civil War: African American soldiers played a crucial role in the Civil War, with nearly 200,000 serving in the Union Army and Navy, helping to secure the Union victory and the abolition of slavery.
5. Social and Political Contributions:
   • Abolition Movement: African Americans were at the forefront of the abolition movement, with leaders like Frederick Douglass advocating for the end of slavery and equal rights.
   • Civil Rights Advocacy: The early efforts of African Americans to secure their rights laid the groundwork for future civil rights movements.

These contributions highlight the integral role African Americans have played in shaping the United States, despite facing systemic challenges and discrimination. Their legacy is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring fight for justice and equality.

African American leaders

African American leaders have played pivotal roles in shaping the history and culture of the United States, advocating for civil rights, social justice, and equality.

1. Frederick Douglass (1818–1895): A former enslaved person who became a leading abolitionist, Douglass was a powerful orator, writer, and advocate for the rights of African Americans and women. His autobiographies and speeches highlighted the injustices of slavery and called for equality.
2. Harriet Tubman (c. 1822–1913): Known as the “Moses of her people,” Tubman was a conductor on the Underground Railroad, leading many enslaved people to freedom. She also served as a spy and nurse during the Civil War and was an advocate for women’s suffrage.
3. W.E.B. Du Bois (1868–1963): A sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist, Du Bois was a co-founder of the NAACP and a prominent advocate for African American rights. His work, including “The Souls of Black Folk,” addressed issues of race and inequality.
4. Rosa Parks (1913–2005): Often called the “mother of the civil rights movement,” Parks’ refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama, sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the civil rights movement.
5. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929–1968): A Baptist minister and civil rights leader, King advocated for nonviolent resistance to racial segregation and discrimination. His leadership in events like the March on Washington and his “I Have a Dream” speech were instrumental in advancing civil rights.
6. Thurgood Marshall (1908–1993): As the first African American Supreme Court Justice, Marshall was a key figure in the legal fight against segregation. He argued and won the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
7. Maya Angelou (1928–2014): A renowned poet, author, and civil rights activist, Angelou’s works, including “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” explore themes of identity, racism, and resilience. She was also a powerful voice in the civil rights movement.
8. Barack Obama (1961–present): As the 44th President of the United States and the first African American to hold the office, Obama’s presidency marked a significant milestone in American history. His leadership focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery, and social justice.
9. Kamala Harris (1964–present): As the first female Vice President of the United States, and the first African American and South Asian American to hold the office, Harris represents a significant breakthrough in American politics. Her career as a senator, attorney general and 2024 presidential candidate has been marked by her advocacy for civil rights, criminal justice reform, and social equality.

These leaders, among many others, have made lasting impacts on American society, advocating for change and inspiring future generations to continue the fight for equality and justice.

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Demographic trends indicate that by 2042, the United States is projected to become a “majority-minority” country. This means that non-Hispanic whites will comprise less than 50% of the population. This shift is due to the growing numbers of Hispanic, Black, Asian, and other minority groups.

As the country declares its independence from its national shadow, and the people increasingly embrace their dual identity as both Americans and world citizens in a multipolar world, the Dweller’s grip is weakened, revealing a promising future. Let the future stand revealed.
– Preamble to the New Age Declaration of Independence

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