The sixth degree teaches Freemasons the value of a number of qualities or virtues. The introduction to the Degree states:
You are taught in this degree to be zealous, and faithful; to be disinterested and benevolent; and to act the peacemaker.
The notions of zealous and faithful, benevolent, generous, and being the peacemaker are clearly portrayed in the Degree and are discussed in detail in Pike’s Morals and Dogma. However, the element of being disinterested is only indirectly portrayed in the Degree and receives minimal elaboration from Pike. The connotation of disinterested as used in Pike’s day and as portrayed in the 6th degree is substantially different than the common contemporary use of the word. Careful consideration of the usage of disinterested in Pike’s time reveals a notion with rich teachings. This essay expands on the evolution of the meanings of being disinterested. When examined closely the practice of being disinterested as intended by Pike opens the pathway for the seeking of truth.
The original usage of disinterested has evolved from that of a state of not having a stake or interest in any given outcome to the current usage of a lack of engagement or feeling for a given person or situation. Webster (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disinterested) notes:
Disinterested and uninterested have a tangled history. Uninterested originally meant impartial, but this sense fell into disuse during the 18th century. About the same time the original sense of disinterested (also implying unbiased) disappeared, with uninterested developing a new sense—the present meaning—to take its place. The original sense of uninterested is still out of use, but the original sense of disinterested revived in the early 20th century.
In contemporary common usage disinterested conveys “having no feeling or interest in something” or “not having the mind or feelings engaged: not interested.” Examples of this usage include: “her father was so disinterested in her progress that he only visited the school once” or telling them in a disinterested voice — Tom Wicker (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disinterested)
Impartial is one of the most common synonyms used to describe the original meaning of disinterested. Impartial implies both not favoring as well as not being prejudiced against one party over the other. Impartial includes the notion that one party will be judged favorably over the other; that the impartial person does not have an existing bias for or against either side.
However, disinterested in its original connotation goes beyond mere impartiality. Impartial implies that both parties will ultimately be considered favorably or unfavorably. In contrast disinterested includes the possibility that the understanding of a dispute could go beyond that of a yay or nay, beyond that of right or wrong. Being disinterested could include considerations beyond simply the competing interests of disputing parties.
Being disinterested is introduced in the Sixth Degree when the candidate is brought from his place of eavesdropping by Hiram of Tyre and King Solomon exclaims: “Alas! It is Zabud, the son of Nathan, until now, my faithful friend and servant!” On one level the implication of King Solomon’s words are that his opinion of Zabud has changed from favorable to unfavorable. However, if indeed he is true to the virtue of being “disinterested” Solomon’s opinion of Zabud has gone from favorable to that of not having an opinion and of being most concerned with having a complete understanding of the actions of Zabud.
This stance of being disinterested is further emulated by King Solomon as the drama of the Sixth Degree unfolds. When Hiram King of Tyre raises his sword against Zabud, the suspected eavesdropper, King Solomon exclaims: “pause and reflect my brother.” In that moment King Solomon is disinterested in the mere guilt or innocence of Zabud. Furthermore, Solomon’s action goes beyond merely seeking mercy for Zabud. Indeed Solomon holds true to the value of law stating, “Zabud shall be tried and heard in his defense; and if condemned, he shall be duly punished.“ On the surface this scene teaches in Pike’s words “He who habitually gives harsh judgment will not long delay to give unjust judgment.” However, the allegory of this Degree goes beyond that simple message.
If King Solomon’s only interest was deciding if the actions of the King of Tyre were right or wrong much of the teaching of the Degree would be lost. Zabud would simply be innocent or guilty, freed or punished. King Solomon’s disinterest paves the way for the teachings of the Degree. Through Solomon’s disinterest in simple judgment and through his interest in the whole story, Zabud’s zealous and faithful fidelity for his King is revealed, the bond of the Brother Kings is restored, and the self-seeking of the King of Tyre is transformed into generosity.
In this sense disinterested could be likened to the Buddhist notion of non-attachment. Through that non-attachment the mere determination of right or wrong gives way to a seeking of the whole truth.
Essay written by Bro. Peter Grover 32°
