Esoteric means “not public or common knowledge” while exoteric refers to “knowledge or practices commonly taught or shared.” Freemasonry’s fundamental principles are designed to make a good man a better man therefore:
Exoterically, the public should see an operative Mason and can tell he is such through his conduct and character which should always be beyond reproach.
Esoterically a Mason incorporates through speculative means lessons taught allegorically that produce a spiritually prepared man who constantly seeks divine inspiration in all matters.
John Hamilton
