Ask AI: what is the illuminati?

The term "Illuminati" refers to several different concepts, ranging from historical organizations to a wide array of conspiracy theories. Here is a breakdown of its most common associations: 1. **Historical Illuminati**: - The most well-known historical group referred to as the Illuminati was the Bavarian Illuminati, founded on May 1, 1776, in Ingolstadt, Bavaria (now part of Germany) by Adam Weishaupt. This Enlightenment-era secret society aimed to promote rationalism and free thought and opposed religious and political tyranny. The group was relatively small and short-lived, being suppressed and outlawed by the Bavarian government a few years later in the late 1780s. 2. **Conspiracy Theories**: - In modern times, the term "Illuminati" has been associated with various conspiracy theories suggesting the existence of a powerful, secret organization that allegedly controls world affairs, manipulating political and economic events to establish a New World Order. These theories often claim that the Illuminati is composed of influential politicians, celebrities, and other elites. 3. **Popular Culture**: - The concept of the Illuminati has also been co-opted by popular culture and media. It's frequently referenced in movies, books, music, and television as a mysterious and clandestine group. This has contributed to its mystique and presence in the public imagination. 4. **Symbolism**: - The Illuminati is often associated with symbols like the all-seeing eye, pyramids, and pentagrams. These symbols have become part of the folklore surrounding the organization, particularly in conspiracy theory circles. It's important to approach any claims about modern iterations of the Illuminati with skepticism, as there is no credible evidence supporting the existence of such an organization today. The historical Bavarian Illuminati existed for a relatively short time and was not as widespread or influential as conspiracy theories suggest.

The Illuminati is a term that has been used to refer to various secret societies, both real and fictitious, throughout history. The original Illuminati was an 18th-century secret society founded in Bavaria by Adam Weishaupt, a professor of law. Officially called the Order of the Illuminati, its main goal was to promote Enlightenment-era ideas, reason, and the opposition of superstition and religious influence on public life. Over the centuries, conspiracy theories have developed surrounding the Illuminati, alleging that the group has continued to exist and exerts a hidden influence over world events. These theories often assert that a powerful, global elite of politicians, business magnates, and celebrities are members of the Illuminati, seeking to establish a New World Order. However, there is no credible evidence to support these claims, and the Illuminati is generally considered a myth or modern folklore by scholars and experts.