Paideia (pi-daya) is the classical Greek system of education and training, which came to include gymnastics, grammar, rhetoric, poetry, music, mathematics, geography, natural history, astronomy and the physical sciences, history of society and ethics, and philosophy. The Greeks considered it the complete course of study necessary to produce a well-rounded, fully educated citizen.

In the Greek sense, Paideia aimed to create a higher type of man. Paideia meant educating man in his proper form, which is genuine human nature. The Greeks believed all individuals were to imitate this universal ideal and model of humanity. This ideal was to be embodied in the community, and the goal of education was to make each person in the community’s image.

There were three main components of a Greek education, they were:

Intellectual Development:

• • Grammar and rhetoric to hone language and communication skills
  • Mathematics, including arithmetic, geometry, and astronomy
  • Natural history and physical sciences for understanding the world
  • Philosophy to cultivate critical thinking and wisdom
  • History and ethics to instill civic virtues and social responsibility

Artistic Expression:

• • Poetry and literature to refine cultural knowledge and creativity
  • Music to develop aesthetic sensibility and harmony

Physical Training:

• • Gymnastics to build strength, agility, and bodily awareness

The Greeks believed this multifaceted curriculum was essential for several reasons:

1. 1. Holistic Development – Paideia aimed to nurture the whole person – mind, body, and spirit.
   2. Civic Preparation – It equips citizens with the knowledge and skills to participate effectively in the polis (city-state).
   3. Character Formation – The system sought to instill virtues and shape moral character.
   4. Cultural Transmission – Paideia preserved and passed on Greek cultural heritage and values.
   5. Pursuit of Excellence – It encouraged the lifelong quest for arete (excellence or virtue) in all aspects of life.

It’s pretty easy to spot the elements of a Greek education evident in the Masonic ritual teachings.

1. 1. Liberal Arts and Sciences – The Fellowcraft degree emphasizes the seven liberal arts and sciences of Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music, and Astronomy, which were core components of the classical Greek education system.
   2. Emphasis on Geometry – The Greek educational model and Freemasonry place particular importance on geometry. In Freemasonry, geometry is equated with the science of Masonry itself.
   3. Pursuit of Knowledge – Freemasonry’s emphasis on intellectual and moral development reflects the Greek ideal of continuous learning and self-improvement.
   4. Symbolism and Allegory – like Greek philosophical traditions, Freemasonry uses symbols and allegories to convey more profound truths.
   5. Ritual Structure – The structure of Masonic rituals, emphasizing progression through degrees of knowledge, reflects the Greek educational model of gradual intellectual advancement.
   6. Secrecy and Initiation – The concept of secret knowledge passed down through initiation, present in some Greek philosophical schools, is also an essential aspect of Freemasonry.
   7. Ethical Focus – Both systems emphasize the development of moral character alongside intellectual growth.

This Greek education model is active today and promoted by The National Paideia Center. The National Paideia Center was founded in 1988 by philosopher Mortimer Adler and then University President William Friday at the University of North Carolina. Adler and Friday created the Paideia Program, a new relationship between three types of teaching: didactic instruction, intellectual coaching, and seminar discussion, which would, in turn, lead to enhanced critical thinking skills for all students.

The center’s educational model operates on these 12 Paideia Principles. To support these principles, the model uses The Three Columns of Instruction. These columns are:

• • Didactic – the acquisition of organized knowledge
  • Coaching – to assist the student in developing intellectual skills, e.g., thinking, reasoning, using mental models, communication, etc.
  • Seminar – the Socratic method increases understanding of concepts, ideas, and values.

The results of these three types of teaching should be (a) the acquisition of organized knowledge, (b) the formation of habits of skill in the use of language and mathematics, and (c) the growth of the mind’s understanding of fundamental ideas and issues;

What if Freemasonry adopted The Three Columns of Instruction and the Paideia Principles to take good men and make them better?

Honestly, it’s a tall order for the ordinary Masonic lodge. However, maybe if we start with some basics, it’s doable.

• • Didactic – this is the presentation of the degrees. Practice to improve them.
  • Coaching – Add some instruction from knowledgeable brothers on some basic intellectual skills.
  • Seminar – Conduct study groups after each degree to share thoughts about their meaning and application to your daily lives.

Think about it.

 Have a Great Masonic Day!