Mind

Why the Illuminati and Other Secret Societies Are So Intriguing

Secret societies fuel our imaginations, from the Illuminati to the Freemasons to the Odd Fellows. But what is it that they actually do, and why are they as fascinating as they are frightening?

By Sam WaltersJun 13, 2024 1:00 PM
Illustration of the Eye of Providence
The “Eye of Providence,” a single eye inside a swirl of light or a triangle, is an iconic symbol of several secret societies, including the Illuminati and the Freemasons. (Credit: GeorgePeters/Getty Images)

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The Bavarian city of Ingolstadt was no stranger to secrets. It wasn’t in May 1776, anyway, when it became the birthplace of the Illuminati. Shrouded in shadows, this secret society convened for close to 10 years, circulating its ideas without censure or condemnation. It wasn’t until 1785 that its activities were banned, as an active conspiracy against the state of Bavaria.

The Illuminati and other secret societies inspire our imaginations, both for better and for worse. There’s something about them that’s irresistibly intriguing. But why? What are they, actually, and what do they do? What makes them so fascinating, both for insiders and for outsiders looking in?


Read More: What Makes a Cult, And How Do Cult Leaders Control Their Followers?


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