Ernst and Falk: Dialogues for Freemasons

Falk.

Indeed, it has them. But these words and these signs and these customs are not Freemasonry itself. Falk distinguishes between the external rituals (the "shell") and the internal truth or purpose (the "kernel") of the movement.

Ernst.

So Freemasonry is not something dispensable? — How then did mankind manage before Freemasonry existed?

Falk.

Freemasonry has always existed. Falk is likely referring to Freemasonry as a set of social principles or a "natural" state of brotherhood, rather than the formal institutional lodges which only appeared in the early 18th century.

Ernst.

Well then, what is it—this necessary, this indispensable Freemasonry?