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There is no greater gift than life, and likewise, I can think of no greater vice than that of idleness, for idleness, like a parasite, slowly steals from the host its vitality, happiness and productivity.

For an example of the impiety of idleness we need look no further than the old Aesop’s fable of The Tortoise and the Hare. This story very simply and eloquently reveals to us the virtue of industry and the perils of apathy. The story is about a rabbit who scorns a slow-moving turtle and challenges him to a race. The hare rapidly leaves the turtle behind and is so confident of his victory, decides to take a nap halfway through the race. However, when he awakes, the hare finds that the tortoise, laboring diligently has arrived before him.

A hard day of productive work is very satisfying to the soul. When we toil at a worthy project we create something of value to ourselves and to others. That creation often carries on even when we are no longer present to enjoy them ourselves. For example, the engineer who spends years to learn his craft and then more years in the creation of a bridge cannot only look upon his own creation with contentment, but likewise the joy of its creation can also be felt by the commuter that now reduces his commute time by an hour, and can spend that saved time with friends, family and community.

Another example of the benefits of productive work would be Mother Theresa. From eighteen years of age she was on missions of charity and she spent her whole adult life in easing the pain of children. She is a remarkable human being who has inspired others to carry on her mission. Her efforts will continue to affect the lives of people she touched personally or were touched by her story and selflessness. Her efforts have created a legacy that will last and inspire for centuries to come.

Many today seem to envy what they perceive to be the idleness of the rich, but I don’t believe it is the idleness that they are coveting, but rather the ability of the wealthy to pursue the labor of their choosing. The greatness of man is not in his ability to loaf or to wile away his time, but rather in his ability to leave a legacy of virtue that carries on long after he is gone.

We Scottish Rite masons are reminded in the fifth degree that our time is short and that death can come to us at any moment. We are therefore inspired to use our time wisely not in idleness but rather in the building of something better both within us and around us—for ourselves and more importantly for the betterment of mankind.