BACK      

The socio-economic impact of the Freemasonry      Pierre Klees, 3 November 2008

                                                                           

When Food For Thought made a rhyme

with food, discovery, interaction,

Freemasonry and ambiance...

 

"Freemasonry doesn’t have any impact on the socio-economy"

What ingredients are needed to create a memorable night? Food For Thought found them, united them and created a unique night made of discussions and meetings, in an easy-going atmosphere.

The menu of that night might have been somewhat surprising: Pierre Klees, former Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Belgium, was invited to discuss his thoughts on the socio-economic impact of Freemasonry. But not in a classical spot: this session took place in the trendy Cook and Book in Brussels. We are indeed miles away from the traditional lodge where freemasons are usually gathering. In fact, in a world where symbols are so important, the habitual swords and sculptures were replaced by wine barrels, packed mixed herbs and a variety of books, including French swimmer Laure Manaudou’s biography and another one presenting the Airbus A380. When we told you that it was going to be different and surprising!

When guests arrived, they immediately felt the great diversity among them: a group of friends appeared minutes before a CEO, who soon talked to a pair of students.  Around 8.30 pm, minutes after he started, the former Grand Master announced that Freemasonry doesn’t have any impact on the socio-economy, but it was just a trick to keep the audience’s attention. Because for more than 45 minutes, everyone could listen to what will be reminded as a great moment of reflection.  

“Incredible range of themes, in a goal of diversity ”

Participants will listen to a large range of themes, including thoughts of Albert Einstein or Jean-Paul Sartre, and we could attend a speaking of a Freemason talking about life and society, instead of talking about Freemasonry itself. It was probably the best way for no one to feel excluded, and that perfectly matched Food For Thought’s main goal of diversity. 

While listening to Pierre Klees’ speech, during which he will only be troubled by Murielle Lona’s smile offering him a well deserved glass of water, we indeed noticed how various the attendance was: tailor made suits and shirts, well and …less furnished skulls, ties and the orator’s bow were all seating there, in a clear and wonderful place, under a former metal greenhouse. After this outstanding speech, and a moment for questions and answers, led by Pierre Walkiers, Managing Director at ING, all participants could meet each other and of course the speaker, who gladly autographed their copies of his latest book “Rencontres entre des profanes et un franc-maçon”. 

“Great Concept, and outstanding speech ”

Later that night, while all participants were discussing around a glass of wine, and some finger food, we met with Gabriel, working in a well-known bank group, who confessed that he “was only knowing the subject from what we could hear on TV”, but was so pleased by “the unique concept, the spot and the really interesting speech of Pierre Klees”. 

“Seduced by the concept, and the place where the event took ”

Another attendant, studying at a major Business School in Brussels, told us that he wasn’t regretting at all the invitation of his friend: “She’s working at Erasme Hospital, and saw, by chance, the advertising for that night on the Internet. I didn’t know much about the subject, but I’ll try to find out more, for sure ”. Both were seduced by the concept, and the place where the event happened that Monday night. 

“Opportunity to meet old-time friends and interesting new people ” 

Mireille was also attending the event on November, 3rd, and insisted to congratulate Food For Thought and Murielle Lona for that great night: “Atmosphere was friendly, the subject more than interesting, and all that under a perfect reception”. She was also seduced by the possibility to meet not only friends, but interesting new people ”. Among them, the moderator, Pierre Walkiers, who was enthusiast about his impression: “All the reactions I recorded after that night were amazingly positive. Congratulations !”  

Those testimonials were reflecting the reactions of all participants, who convinced us that we reached our goal, and really brought …a fresh view on events!