There is an anonymous quote, ‘Beyond the edges of worn paths are mysteries unexplored’ that I feel gives a sense for why, after more than a century, The Beale Ciphers continue to capture attention. The unsolved ciphers lure us beyond our daily routines and entice us into an adventurous world of the unknown. They get us to ask the What Ifs? What if there is still an incredible treasure out there to find? What if I can solve the code? What if the ciphers reveal some long lost and valuable secret?
What if?’ is a powerful question. And is difficult to answer. The desire in each of us to find answers, of which maybe some can never be found, and so a never-ending quest launches within ourselves, could have been the purpose of the pamphlet. What if that is why those ciphers are so difficult to solve? But, then again, what if it isn’t?
Either way, I feel the journey is more important than the destination.
Anything that can open our minds to exploration is a noble import ….if of course kept in perspective. I so fully agree with the warning in the pamphlet. “Again, never, as I have done, sacrifice your own and your family’s interests to what may prove an illusion; but as I have already said, when your day’s work is done, and you are comfortably seated by your good fire, a short time devoted to the subject can injure no one, and may bring its reward.”
Although some have slammed the door and called The Beale Ciphers all a hoax, or merely a fun tale, because the story has some inconsistencies and questionable actions, the door seems never able to be tightly shut. Those unanswered details seem to always keep the door slightly ajar, no matter how hard some slam it. It’s amazing how the story can’t be conclusively determined to be all false or true.
For myself, I’m fine with the door being left invitingly open. However, partly because of the cautionary stance mentioned in the pamphlet about only devoting your spare time to the matter, makes me lean more towards it being a tale to spur the heart, mind, and soul. I feel it is meant to inspire discovery within ourselves….. and for a Truth that can only be found by an intense search.
James Ward is known to have ties with Freemasonry. As a Master Mason myself in a Co-Masonic Lodge, I can understand his desire to encourage the exploring of the unknown, leading to a hidden vault.
Of course, if while spending my spare time on the Beale Papers, I break the codes, I won’t be disappointed at all if it leads to a monetary treasure of immense value or a message of deep wisdom.
Again, it’s the adventure, mystery, and challenge.
James Ward’s pamphlet, whatever its origin, inspires the Quest. And it offers all those who seek to find treasures. No one knows what type of treasures they will find, unless they seek!
They are out there waiting. I have no doubt.
