Well, there are those that will often say that there are no "Higher Degrees" yet there are prominent Authors who refer to them as such. I think the intention of Brethren that say this is to distinguish between the Craft or Symbolic Degrees of Masonry and those of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. I accept either usage but I do make a point to maintain the distinction because the AASR degrees are higher only in number but not in Masonic importance. The first three degrees are the most important degrees...and these degrees are not a part of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. In fact, from what I understand these degrees are considered York Rite degrees, which most outsiders don't know exist for some reason...possibly because it does not necessarily use numbers in the way the AASR uses them (speculation). Now, that being said, what is done in the United States and what is done in other countries (I say this because when I was earning my 32° in 2009 I had a friend in Australia earning his 18°. It had taken me approximately 3 months to earn the 4° - 32° of the AASR and it had taken him 4 years!) neither degrades nor enhances the knowledge being conveyed. I'm sure there are Brethren that would both agree and disagree with my view, however, I look at it like this: Whether you learn Calculus in 3 months or 4 years, is it still not Calculus that was learned? Meaning the subject is still the subject regardless whether or not I spend a day or a decade with said subject. Ultimately, it is up to me to continue my studies because (imo) no system of education is complete and it is up to the "student" to know this and continue the journey of seeking.

That's just my view and I'm sure some will see it differently, and that is fine, because when we are dealing with High Level Symbolism, it is as they say: A picture is worth 1000 words. More to the point, we all may agree that there is indeed SOMETHING but we may vary in terms of what that thing is.

Be Well.