How does Freemasonry view the relationship between individual growth and community?

Freemasonry emphasizes the interconnectedness of individual growth and community development, asserting that the progress of one contributes to the prosperity of the other. In this perspective, personal development, which includes the cultivation of virtues, skills, and moral character, enhances the individual's ability to contribute positively to society. As individuals grow and improve, they invariably uplift those around them, fostering a more cohesive and supportive community. This mutual reinforcement is central to Masonic philosophy, which teaches that the betterment of the individual leads to the betterment of the collective, thereby creating a stronger, more harmonious society.