Secret Societies Rule The World?

CAVEAT
HOW TO READ

In the production of this article, I have used several artifical intelligent assistants (AI) to collect the data. Where possible, I’ve cross-checked it for accuracy and relevance. Anything created through these methods will be coloured like this.

For more on my use of AI, read this article

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THE QUESTION

Recently I was asked whether I believed there were secret societies, secretly ruling and influencing the world powers. My initial answer was no. But that answer came from my logical mind, without any foundations.

My father always told us as children that there was never smoke without fire. In other words, smoke was often evident of something more: The smoking gun, as it is often referred to.

Humans love conspiracy theories. The mystery, the intregue, the anti-system possibilities! Surprisingly, there are people that believe the earth is flat, even with extensive evidence to the contrary. But is there any foundations to support our question whether there are such secret societies, and are they influencing the world powers?

THE KNOWN

The question contains three parts. Are there secret societies? Are they secretly ruling? Are they influencing world powers? Each part needs to be considered on its own merit.

Are there secret societies? The answer is of course there are. Some we’ve all heard of and others we know little or nothing about. The most common example would be the Freemasons movement. Cults, such as Scientology, purposely encourage secrecy. During this research I asked an A.I app for help.

AI - Create an extensive list of all the alleged secret societies.

Secret societies have always fascinated people with their air of mystery and intrigue. Here are some of the most well-known alleged secret societies:

Freemasons: One of the oldest and most widespread secret societies, known for their rituals and symbols.
Illuminati: Often associated with conspiracy theories about world domination.
Skull and Bones: A secret society at Yale University, known for its influential members.
Rosicrucians: A mystical society with roots in the early 17th century.
Knights Templar: A medieval Christian military order that has inspired many legends.
Bilderberg Group: An annual conference of influential people from Europe and North America.
Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn: A magical order that was active in Great Britain during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Order of Nine Angles: A controversial group known for its extreme beliefs.
The Priory of Sion: Allegedly a secret society founded in the 11th century, popularized by “The Da Vinci Code”.
The Thule Society: A German occultist group that was active in the early 20th century.
The Bohemian Club: An exclusive club in California known for its annual retreat.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians: A fraternal organization of Irish Catholics.
The National Grange: A society promoting the advancement of rural life.
The United Ancient Order of Druids: A fraternal organization based on the iconography of ancient druids.
The Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm: A Freemason organization known for its charitable work.

These societies have various origins and purposes, ranging from fraternal organizations to groups with mystical or political aims.

The second part of the question is therefore easy to answer. By the very nature of being secretive, their order must be influencing the membership at the very least. We have all heard of conditions and rules imposed on members of such secret organisations. Though, ironically, the notion of them being secret is debateable!

Are they influencing the world powers? Who knows! I suspect the powers these secret societies have are limited in their reach. No doubt there have been heads of government and political figures that have been members of such societies at some point in their lives. And no doubt, some probably are still. But there is a vast difference between influence and application. But what about the truly secret societies?

I ask A.I to give me extensive details about the alleged Illuminati.

AI - Write an extensive essay about the illuminati, including what and who it is? Include any evidence that is known, any myths and any conspiracies connected to the illuminati.

The Illuminati: History, Myths, and Conspiracies

The Illuminati is one of the most enduring and controversial subjects in the world of secret societies and conspiracy theories. Over the centuries, its name has become synonymous with power, influence, and secrecy. This essay explores the history, evidence, myths, and conspiracies surrounding the Illuminati.

Historical Origins

The term “Illuminati” originates from the Latin word illuminatus, meaning “enlightened.” The Illuminati most commonly referenced in discussions today is the Bavarian Illuminati, a secret society founded on May 1, 1776, in Ingolstadt, Bavaria (modern-day Germany). This group was established by Adam Weishaupt, a professor of canon law at the University of Ingolstadt, who sought to promote rational thought, secularism, and equality in a time dominated by monarchy and religious influence.

Weishaupt’s Illuminati aimed to challenge the prevailing societal structures, particularly the influence of the Catholic Church and traditional aristocracy. The society was hierarchical, modeled after Freemasonry, and sought to recruit members from the intellectual elite. Its goals included fostering enlightenment ideals, combating superstition, and advancing knowledge.

Despite its ambitious aims, the Bavarian Illuminati was short-lived. By the late 1780s, the society was suppressed by the Bavarian government, which viewed it as a threat to the established order. Its members disbanded or went underground, and the Illuminati officially ceased to exist—at least according to historical records.

Evidence of Existence

While the Bavarian Illuminati was a documented historical entity, evidence supporting the notion that it survived or evolved into a modern, global power is sparse. Most references to the Illuminati after the late 18th century are speculative or fictional. There are, however, a few elements that fuel ongoing suspicions:

Historical Records: Authentic documents from the Bavarian Illuminati, including initiation rituals and internal correspondence, confirm its existence. However, these documents provide no proof of its continuation after its disbandment.
Modern References: Conspiracy theorists often point to symbols associated with the Illuminati, such as the “All-Seeing Eye” and the pyramid on the U.S. dollar bill, as evidence of its enduring influence. These symbols, however, predate the Illuminati and are more closely linked to Freemasonry and other traditions.
Influential Figures: Some theorists claim that influential figures, including politicians, entertainers, and business moguls, are part of a revived Illuminati. Such claims are largely based on circumstantial evidence, such as alleged secret handshakes, cryptic messages in media, or unsubstantiated testimonies.

Myths and Conspiracies

The Illuminati has become a magnet for myths and conspiracies, many of which extend far beyond the society’s historical roots. These conspiracies often portray the Illuminati as a shadowy organization controlling world events behind the scenes.

1. Global Domination

One of the most pervasive conspiracies is that the Illuminati seeks to establish a “New World Order” (NWO), a single global government under its control. Proponents argue that wars, economic crises, and political upheavals are orchestrated by the Illuminati to consolidate power. Evidence cited includes:

The presence of pyramid and eye symbols in popular culture.
References to the NWO in political speeches and writings.

2. Influence in Entertainment

Conspiracy theorists frequently point to the entertainment industry as a vehicle for Illuminati influence. Celebrities such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West are often accused of being members, citing music videos, hand gestures (e.g., the “triangle sign”), and lyrics as proof. However, these claims are often dismissed as coincidental or marketing stunts.

3. Connections to Freemasonry

The Illuminati is often conflated with Freemasonry, another secretive and influential group. While the two organizations shared some members and ideals during the 18th century, they were distinct entities. Nonetheless, Freemasonry’s prominence in politics and society has fueled the belief that the Illuminati operates through Masonic lodges.

4. Control of Financial Systems

The Illuminati is alleged to control global financial systems, including central banks, multinational corporations, and major economic policies. The Rothschild family, a wealthy European banking dynasty, is often singled out as key players in this conspiracy, despite little evidence supporting such claims.

5. Occult Practices

Some conspiracies depict the Illuminati as a cult engaging in occult rituals and satanic practices. These allegations often stem from anti-Illuminati literature of the 18th and 19th centuries, which portrayed the society as morally corrupt and heretical. Modern iterations of this myth are reinforced by horror films and sensationalist media.

Debunking the Myths

Critics of Illuminati conspiracies argue that many of these claims rely on misinformation, coincidence, and a misunderstanding of historical context. For example:

Symbolism: Symbols like the All-Seeing Eye and the pyramid are not exclusive to the Illuminati and have broader cultural and historical meanings.
Celebrity Allegations: Accusations against public figures often lack credible evidence and are rooted in subjective interpretations of artistic expression.
Historical Continuity: There is no definitive proof that the Bavarian Illuminati survived its suppression or that it evolved into a modern-day organization.

Psychologists and sociologists suggest that belief in Illuminati conspiracies may stem from a need to explain complex, chaotic world events through a simplified narrative of hidden control.

Cultural Impact

The Illuminati has become a fixture in popular culture, appearing in novels, films, video games, and music. Works like Dan Brown’s Angels & Demons and movies like National Treasure have capitalized on public fascination with secret societies, blending fact and fiction to create compelling narratives.

Moreover, the internet has amplified Illuminati-related conspiracies, allowing theories to spread rapidly and gain traction among diverse audiences. Social media platforms, in particular, have been instrumental in perpetuating these ideas, often blurring the line between satire and sincere belief.

Conclusion

The Illuminati, whether as a historical society or a modern myth, captures the imagination due to its association with secrecy, power, and influence. While the Bavarian Illuminati was a real organization, its brief existence and lack of evidence for a modern incarnation suggest that most contemporary claims are speculative or fictional. Nevertheless, the enduring allure of the Illuminati reflects humanity’s fascination with the unknown and our quest to uncover hidden truths about power and control. Whether viewed as fact or fiction, the Illuminati remains a symbol of mystery and intrigue in the cultural imagination.

EVIDENCE

As we’ve found out in this article, there is certainly evidence of secret (or supposedly secret) societies existing. We also know there is evidence of some powers wealding within such organisations. But the important part of the question is whether secret societies have enough power to control aspects of our lives, our governments, and our way of living, globally. I suspect the answer to that question is most likely no. Yes, a dictator can inforce his or her reasoning onto the nation they control, but not usually beyond the confines of that nation.

That is not to say that a common sense overwhelms the global status, because it doesn’t. For many years, climate conspiracies were arife with the majority of people believing the tree-huggers working to bring the climate issue to our attention, were a bit loopy. Nowadays, with overwhelming science to back it, we all know that the world is in a climate catastrophy, and those original protestors were correct all the time. The fact that the big ruling nations are not doing enough to combat the disaster is mostly based on the global lack of money.

Conspiracy theories come in all sizes and from all people, including ourselves. But let us not consider all theories as conspiratorial. Few ever get the traction from believers. And we must not suggest that all opinions are theories and therefore conspiracy connected. They’re not. They’re most likely just gossip!

Whenever I hear a conspiracy theory, I use my trusted logical common sense to consider whether such a notion could have any truth. I don’t rule out conspiracy theories until I myself am convinced through evidence that the theory has no legs, so to speak.

During a recent holiday, I read David Icke’s ‘The Dream’. A 500 page book filled with, what some might describe as, far fetched theories of invisible powers, he nicknames them as ‘reptiles’, that are influencing people across the world in order to give ‘evil’ the power.

My partner, who has not read the book, suggested that the book was nonsense and that David Icke was unhinged through his isolation. That would appear to be the opinion of many. Ask anyone what they think of David Icke and you’ll soon have evidence to support my partner’s theory! Except me, that is! I don’t believe in every word David says, and I don’t think he expects me or you to. But I do believe he has a theory about why the world and the people are like they are and has wrapped it up in his own logical theory that works to support his notions. I wouldn’t be surprised if there wasn’t some small truths in some of his theories.

Before any of us can sensibly rule secret societies, conspiracy theories and the like, as true or false, we must always seek to find our own truth, our own evidence of support, and our own opinions.

Thirty years ago, if you’d have suggested that in my older years, I’d be communicating with dead people, I’d have thought you were the mad one! Evidence stands tall and rules.

FEAR-MONGERING

The term “conspiracy theory” is itself the subject of a conspiracy theory, which posits that the term was “popularized by the CIA in order to discredit conspiratorial believers, particularly critics of the Warren Commission, by making them a target of ridicule. ” Even I believed that fact to be true, until I checked it using A.I.

Some people often have a desire to create a mystery, a conspiracy theory or similar, to give themselves some sort of personal power over others. Often, it’s a way of holding an audience. Their theories rely on questionable evidence and usually involves building their own self-esteem at the cost of others.

“The world is coming to an end.” Really? How so?

“Dictators are working for evil forces to take over the world”. Have you any evidence to support that? They might just be dillusional people and nobody is standing up to them. And anyway, our so-called democracy isn’t exactly running swimmingly!

MY CONCLUSION

I actually like conspiracy theories. They give my mind an alternative angle to view something. I’d don’t often believe them, but I don’t also believe we should accept everything on face value.

I believe there were, and probably still are, secret societies within us. But there is the truth. Within us. In other words, restricted, contained to the few. I recently read a book a book about the existence of the secret society known as ‘The Knight’s Templar’. I have no doubts that it existed. But my own logic and reasoning tells me that the power these secretive order members had was limited and far from threatening world order.

I know my own truth. A statement many can say, but few will bother to educate. People hear something controversial from a reliable friend and often believe it without question. I don’t. I know my own truth, and if I am presented with something remarkable that goes against the grain of the wood, I’ll examine it for myself, find the evidence (if it justifies it), and make my own mind up based on my own truth that I’ve established from living a life of acquiring knowledge.

I conclude by suggesting that far from there being a controlling force over all nations influencing the direction of matters, instead there is the complete opposite. Disorder fed by selfish incompedence and greed. Perhaps the work of an evil force? I don’t think so!

I do know of a secret society you can become part of though. “The Order Of The S.T. Envoys”. A rare and secret gathering of like-minded people that believe in me and my work. The only cult-like requirement is each of them share a few pounds with me every year to support my work! Will they change the world? Well, they’ll change mine, that’s for certain!