Though it has essentially been said by Brother Gary, I will add my thoughts.
Masonry, and life in general, is not about the destination but rather the journey. Seeing something or being taught something allows you to receive information. Information does not equal knowledge. Masonry is taught through symbolism and allegory because it forces those who truly seek to understand to study and reflect. It isn’t a book of secrets that lists out all of the wisdom of the ages in clear and legible print. It is a map that, when properly applied, will guide you to the place where the knowledge is found. I have also found that much of what I learn in Masonry is not new to me. However, I find that through study of the ritual and symbolism I am forced to reflect upon many virtues and tenets in a much deeper context and therefore find myself applying it much more efficiently in life. Hearing that a point within a circle represents a Brother surrounded by a boundary, guided by the VSL and flanked by two Saints does not do much for me. To dig in to where the circle came from…understand what it means…and where it can be found causes a noticeable change in my behavior….it is about the study....those are my thoughts
Your Brother,
Jason