Why is Masonry a Secret Society?

Despite many efforts throughout time to discredit Freemasonry as a secret society, it is no such thing. It does nothing to conceal its existence or its activities. The so-called secrets are simply details of private ceremonies designed to instruct new members and impress on them the lessons the Craft has to offer, including the virtue of self-discipline. The ceremonies are of no importance to those who are not members, whilst knowledge of them help Freemasons recognise each other.