From Eiffel to Churchill, these are the most famous freemasons
The world of Freemasons has fascinated for centuries. By now we know that very famous faces were part of the fraternity. But who are they exactly?
Freemasonry originated in Europe in the 17th century. Its founding fathers were scholars, artists and philosophers who wanted to create a society in which people of different origins and beliefs could live together peacefully.
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According to the History Channel, the Freemasons are the 'oldest fraternal organization in the world'. Because it is so old, it has now integrated popular culture and has been portrayed in movies, books and painting. But who are its members? That's always a secret. Thankfully History has revealed some of them...
More under this adMore under this adWhat is freemasonry?
Freemasonry is more than a philosophical movement. It has its own rituals and symbols. The rituals are intended to strengthen the bond of the brothers and offer initiative experiences. On closer inspection, they turn out to be true free spirits.
The principles of Freemasons are liberty, equality, fraternity, tolerance and humanity, GEO DE explained in a report. The origin of their thinking and its subsequent spread can be traced back to the Age of Enlightenment in England. Strictly speaking, the first important lodge of Freemasons was founded in London on June 24, 1717 - exclusively for male members. In Germany, women's lodges have existed since 1945.
More under this adMore under this adFamous Freemasons
Among Freemasons are celebrities such as Joseph Bonaparte (1768-1844) the brother of Napoléon. You also have the poet Giacomo Casanova (1725-1798). The latter called himself Chevalier de Seingalt, a highly educated adventurer who was arrested in Venice for Masonic activities and blasphemy.
Even national monuments aren't safe from freemasonry. Alexandre Gustave Eiffel (1832-1923), a French engineer and builder of the Eiffel Tower was said to part of the fraternity. We are all familiar with the following name: Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965). Queen Elizabeth's first Prime Minister and WWII hero, is believed to be a freemason.
More under this adMore under this adEven the American automobile manufacturer Henry Ford (1863-1947) and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832), German poet, have been Freemasons. So was Josef Haydn (1732-1809), composer, friend and lodge brother of Mozart.
This article was adapted from OhMyMag DE
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Sources:
GEO: Mythos Freimaurer – ein Geheimbund ohne Geheimnis
History Channel: 7 Things You May Not Know About Freemasons