Is Freemasonry a secret society?

Certainly not but in common with most organisations it does regard some aspects of its activities as confidential. Its so called secrets are simply details of private ceremonies designed to progressively instruct new members and to impress on their minds the lessons it has to offer including the virtue of self discipline. A progression through three stages (or Degrees) is necessary to obtain full membership and the detailed knowledge of them is restricted to those who qualify.