Illuminati
Origins and Historical Background
The term "Illuminati" refers to various groups, both real and fictitious. Historically, the name usually refers to the Bavarian Illuminati, an Enlightenment-era secret society founded on May 1, 1776, in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, today part of Germany. The society's goals were to promote Enlightenment ideals such as reason, secularism, and the separation of church and state. The Illuminati was founded by Adam Weishaupt, a professor of canon law, who sought to replace religious influence in public life with rational thought.
The Bavarian Illuminati was modeled after Freemasonry, adopting similar rituals and hierarchical structures. The society was divided into three main classes: the Nursery, the Symbolic (or Masonic) Grades, and the Mysteries. Each class had its own set of degrees and initiation rites.
Structure and Hierarchy
The structure of the Bavarian Illuminati was complex and hierarchical. The first class, the Nursery, included the Novice, Minerval, and Illuminatus Minor degrees. The second class, the Symbolic Grades, consisted of the three degrees of Freemasonry: Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. The third class, the Mysteries, was divided into the Lesser Mysteries and the Greater Mysteries. The Lesser Mysteries included the degrees of Illuminatus Major and Illuminatus Dirigens, while the Greater Mysteries comprised the degrees of Priest, Regent, Magus, and King.
The society was governed by a General Assembly, which met annually. The executive authority was vested in a Supreme Council, headed by the General (or Grand Master), who was assisted by a number of officers, including the Secretary, Treasurer, and Orator.
Goals and Philosophies
The Illuminati aimed to promote Enlightenment values such as reason, secularism, and the separation of church and state. They sought to influence political decisions and societal norms by infiltrating existing institutions, including governments, universities, and religious organizations. The ultimate goal was to create a society governed by reason and free from religious and political oppression.
The Illuminati believed in the perfectibility of human nature and society. They held that through education and rational thought, individuals could achieve moral and intellectual improvement. This belief in human perfectibility was a central tenet of the Enlightenment and was shared by many contemporary intellectuals.
Suppression and Decline
The Bavarian Illuminati faced significant opposition from both the Catholic Church and the Bavarian government. In 1784, the Bavarian government issued an edict banning all secret societies, including the Illuminati. This was followed by a series of arrests and the confiscation of the society's documents. By 1785, the Illuminati had been effectively disbanded, and its members were forced to flee or go underground.
Despite its suppression, the Illuminati continued to influence European intellectual and political life. Many former members went on to play significant roles in the French Revolution and other revolutionary movements. The society's ideas and symbols were also adopted by various other secret societies and fraternal organizations.
Modern Conspiracy Theories
In the centuries following its suppression, the Illuminati has become the subject of numerous conspiracy theories. These theories often claim that the Illuminati continues to exist and exerts a hidden influence over world events. Common themes include the idea that the Illuminati controls global finance, manipulates political leaders, and orchestrates major historical events.
One of the most influential works promoting these theories is "Proofs of a Conspiracy" by John Robison, published in 1797. Robison, a Scottish physicist and mathematician, claimed that the Illuminati had infiltrated other secret societies and was responsible for the French Revolution. Another influential work is "Memoirs Illustrating the History of Jacobinism" by Abbé Augustin Barruel, a French Jesuit priest, which also linked the Illuminati to revolutionary movements.
Modern conspiracy theories often draw on these earlier works, as well as more recent events and developments. They frequently incorporate elements of New World Order theories, which posit that a secretive elite is working to establish a global authoritarian government.
Cultural Impact
The Illuminati has had a significant impact on popular culture, appearing in numerous books, films, and other media. One of the most famous examples is Dan Brown's novel "Angels & Demons," which features a fictionalized version of the Illuminati as a central plot element. The society has also been referenced in various other works of fiction, including the "National Treasure" film series and the video game "Deus Ex."
The Illuminati has also been a popular subject in music, with numerous artists referencing the society in their lyrics and imagery. Some conspiracy theorists claim that certain musicians and celebrities are members of the Illuminati and use their influence to promote the society's agenda.