[marshmallow]

The 32nd degree is achievable by all adult males who become Masons.

There is no contradiction between what you are saying and what is printed above.

Howard simply says that the 32nd degree is a "select group". IOW, that while in theory it is achievable by all, not all attain this rank.

Am I wrong?

[ontap]

not all attain this rank.

Any Mason that seeks it can obtain it.

[M1903A1]

The 32nd Degree is a conventional degree...nothing really unique about it. The 33rd Degree is much more exclusive, very few attain that rank...but that’s an honorific degree more than a standard degree.

I regard it as more of a “Lifetime Achievement Award” than anything else.