"ERNST und FALK” - Gespräche für Freimaurer: "ERNST und FALK” - Conversations for Freemasons (1778)

This Book is reviewed, translated and extended with further informations and details about the author and the context of creating this direction giving work of history "ERNST und FALK” - Conversations for Freemasons - is one of the most knowing and important work by the German Enlightenment writer Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. It was first published in the year 1778 and consists of two dialogues between the fictional characters ERNST and FALK. The work deals with the themes of friendship, tolerance, humanity and the ideals of Freemasonry. Gotthold Ephraim Lessing's work "ERNST und FALK" was written originally in German as a Masonic poem. It is a piece of enlightenment in which the characters have a profound dialog about thoughts and sights. The work demonstrates Lessing's literary mastery as he presents complex philosophical ideas in a captivating manner. The dialogue structure allows for different viewpoints to be explored and encourages readers to think. However, one could critically note that the symbolism and messages are sometimes too coded, which makes interpretation difficult. Some readers may feel distanced from the mystical Masonic theme as it is not known to everyone.