Some interesting and good comment there. Me, I often describe Degrees as "Primers" ("an elementary textbook that serves as an introduction to a subject of study or is used for teaching children to read".) Some would say you need to join Other Orders to understand those Degrees (and there is merit in doing so) but the lessons of Freemasonry are in the ceremonial (words and concepts) of the Three Degrees which should then be applied in daily life. Degrees are the primers for that, but are only the beginning.. and as I also often say, it is not just what you "know" about Freemasonry, but what you think (reflect and consider) about it which really counts. Experiencing a Degree Ceremony is only a start and not an end in itself, too many Freemasons think they are an end in themselves. I might hold the "rank" of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, but everyday gives me the chance and often, challenge, to be one,.. or not...
I agree (with Coach) that thinking process is important, but you don't need to be a Rhodes Scholar to truly be a Freemason, what you really need is a good heart and moral compass, then many of the lessons are intuitive rather than learned, but they can be developed. That's why "making good men better" does make sense to me, especually when you emulate good examples from others and correct in yourself what you see as their defects, but some of those defects are best detected by logical process, not just around emotions..