Albert Pike may have been the inspiration for the man who said, "I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon - if I can. I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and succeed. I will not trade beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself."
He had many physical advantages, such as a huge frame, a kindly face, dignified appearance, and a soft and pleasing voice. He was a man of culture and good taste, affable and courteous, a ready conversationalist, good story-teller and just as much at home with erudite and sophisticated people as with those of the woods and plains. Being of a chivalrous nature and having a charming personality, he was an equal favourite with men and women. His intimate friends were aware that he was not a saint, but they knew, too, that he was an upright, honest and honourable citizen who was opposed to evil practices. To them, he was one of the most lovable men who ever lived.
His love for Masonry had grown deeper and deeper and in 1879, feeling that there was much work still undone, he closed his brilliant career in law and devoted the remaining years of his life to research and study for the benefit of the Scottish Rite. At the time of his retirement from the practice of law, he had been a Mason 30 years, having joined the Order when he was 41. The fact that by the time be was 50 he became Sovereign Grand Commander of this Supreme Council is part of our proud history and an outstanding tribute to the man.
Albert Pike joined the Order when many men were still hesitant to do so. Masonry was just emerging from the "anti" movement brought about by misconceptions which were seized upon and given wide circulation by its enemies in an attempt to discredit and destroy Freemasonry in America and thus remove it as an obstacle in advancing their un-American designs. Brother Pike immediately recognized the spirit of brotherhood and the extensiveness of the symbolism that characterizes the Craft. He knew that the status of man was not as it should be or could be. He knew also that reforms come slowly, by degrees, and that Masonry had the opportunity to perform a great mission and that through strengthening and enlarging the Order, the world at large could be spiritually, morally, and ethically benefitted. Our rituals, as revised by him, and his Morals and Dogma contain some of the most profound thinking and philosophy ever to come from the mind of man. Throughout those writings, he points out the analogy of the principles of freedom with the principles of Freemasonry and emphasizes the ideals of service to our fellows, our country, and to mankind. His concern was that man is inclined to allow his own pleasures and indolence to militate against these ideals. By precept and example he endeavoured to instill in the heart of every Mason the desire to contribute something to life that will outlive his days on earth, something which will be of benefit to mankind.