The hosts of BuzzFeed Unsolved explore the history and conspiracy theories surrounding the Illuminati. They begin by discussing the Illuminati's origins in 18th-century Bavaria, where it was founded by Adam Weishaupt as a secret society promoting secularism and rational thought. However, the group was disbanded in the late 1780s, and its existence was largely forgotten.
The hosts then delve into various conspiracy theories that have emerged over the years, including the idea that the Illuminati survived and evolved into a powerful organization controlling world events. They discuss theories about the New World Order, a supposed one-world government, and how some people believe the Illuminati is behind it.
The hosts also examine claims that celebrities are part of the Illuminati, pointing to supposed symbols and codes in their music and behavior. They mention specific celebrities like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Kanye West, who have been accused of being part of the Illuminati.
The hosts conclude by acknowledging that while the Illuminati may have existed historically, there is no concrete evidence to support the conspiracy theories surrounding it. They also joke about the possibility of lizard people controlling the world and cloning celebrities.
Ultimately, the hosts leave the question of the Illuminati's existence and influence unsolved, inviting viewers to share their own thoughts and theories in the comments. The episode ends with an announcement that a new season of BuzzFeed Unsolved is coming in October.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Illuminati was a real organization founded in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt in Bavaria, Germany.
2. Adam Weishaupt was a German professor who was inspired by French philosophy, mainly secularism and rational thought.
3. The Illuminati was initially formed as a secret group to protect and promote secular and rationalist views.
4. Weishaupt considered joining the Freemasons but couldn't afford the admission fee, so he formed his own group instead.
5. The Illuminati had an anti-religious stance and focused on self-knowledge, self-improvement, social reform, and free thought.
6. By the mid-1780s, the Illuminati was disbanded, and recruiting people into secret societies was criminalized.
7. Despite this, some people believe the Illuminati continued to exist in secret and has evolved over time.
8. The term "New World Order" was first used by George H.W. Bush in a 1991 speech, referring to a world with the rule of law, not the law of the jungle.
9. Some conspiracy theories believe the New World Order is connected to the Illuminati and aims to create a one-world totalitarian government.
10. A 2013 national poll found that 28% of voters believed in the possibility of a New World Order.
11. Some people believe that the Illuminati has infiltrated high levels of government and society, including the presidency of the United States.
12. The Illuminati is often associated with symbols such as the pyramid and the eye of Horus.
13. Some celebrities, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Kanye West, have been accused of being members of the Illuminati due to their use of symbols and lyrics.
14. The website IlluminatiOfficial.org claims to be the official website of the Illuminati and has a page on how to join the organization.
15. The website's public relations director responded to an interview request, stating that members of the Illuminati are not available for on-camera interviews.
16. The professor interviewed in the episode stated that the Illuminati was a real organization in the 18th century but is not a real thing anymore.