The symbols of the wise always become the idols of the ignorant multitude.

Baphomet4

Pike’s lesson is simple and short, “The symbols of the wise always become the idols of the ignorant multitude.” You see, “It is absurd to suppose that men of intellect adored a monstrous idol called Baphomet.” In short, the truth is never understood by the profane, only by the adepts, “What the Chiefs of the Order really believed and taught, is indicated to the Adepts by the hints contained in the high Degrees of Free-Masonry, and by the symbols which only the Adepts understand.” Enjoy:

It is absurd to suppose that men of intellect adored a monstrous idol called Baphomet, or recognized Mahomet as an inspired prophet. Their symbolism, invented ages before, to conceal what it was dangerous to avow, was of course misunderstood by those who were not adepts, and to their enemies seemed to be pantheistic. The calf of gold, made by Aaron for the Israelites, was but one of the oxen under the laver of bronze, and the Karobim on the Propitiatory, misunderstood. The symbols of the wise always become the idols of the ignorant multitude. What the Chiefs of the Order really believed and taught, is indicated to the Adepts by the hints contained in the high Degrees of Free-Masonry, and by the symbols which only the Adepts understand (Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 1871, p. 818-819).