In a BuzzFeed Unsolved episode, the hosts discuss the historical and modern perceptions of the Illuminati. Founded in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt in Bavaria, the Illuminati initially promoted secularism and rational thought. Despite being disbanded by the late 1780s, conspiracy theories suggest their survival and influence on global events, including the New World Order concept. Various theories about the Illuminati's current form include celebrity involvement and bizarre claims like shape-shifting lizards. While most celebrities deny such affiliations, public polls show a significant number of people believe in the Illuminati's existence or influence. The episode concludes with skepticism about the Illuminati's real-world presence, leaving it as an unsolved mystery.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Illuminati was founded in 1776 in Bavaria, Germany by Adam Weishaupt, a German professor.
2. Weishaupt was inspired by the ideals of French philosophy, including secularism and rational thought.
3. The Illuminati had an anti-religious stance and focused on self-knowledge, self-improvement, social reform, and free thought.
4. The group was banned in the mid-1780s, and the act of recruiting people into secret societies was criminalized.
5. Some people believe that the Illuminati survived and evolved, and that it is connected to the New World Order.
6. The New World Order is a concept that refers to a hypothetical one-world government or new world order.
7. A 2013 national poll found that 28% of voters believed in the possibility of a New World Order.
8. Some conspiracy theorists believe that the Illuminati is connected to the Antichrist and that world leaders, including Queen Elizabeth and President Barack Obama, are shape-shifting lizards.
9. Others believe that the Illuminati is killing celebrities and replacing them with clones.
10. Many celebrities, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lady Gaga, have been accused of being in the Illuminati.
11. The Illuminati has been associated with various symbols, including the pyramid and the Eye of Horus.
12. A website called Illuminati Official Org claims to be the official website of the Illuminati and has a page called "Join the Illuminati".
13. The website's public relations director responded to an interview request, stating that members of the Illuminati are not available for on-camera interviews.
14. A professor who was interviewed about the Illuminati stated that he believes the group is not a real thing anymore, but that it's possible that there could be an all-knowing organization under everything.