Author: Mike Colagrossi / Source: Big Think
- The historical Illuminati was a failed 18th century Bavarian secret society.
- Current Illuminati conspiracies stem from a satirical ’70s counterculture book.
- Authors Robert Shea and Robert Anton Wilson’s intent was to sow chaotic disinformation just for the satire.
The Illuminati has become a stand-in myth for every conspiratorial crackpots’ idea of some omnipresent cabal pulling the strings on world affairs. Depending on who you ask, sometimes they’re responsible for some two-bit celebrity’s rise to fame, orchestrators of catastrophic events, or planting some head of state to power.
Whatever blame or malice is placed on the Illuminati, most rationally-minded people quickly see through this and understand it’s complete nonsense.
On the subject of conspiracy in general, famed comic book writer Alan Moore, summed it up quite nicely when he said:
“The main thing that I learned about conspiracy theory is that conspiracy theorists actually believe in a conspiracy because that is more comforting. The truth of the world is that it is chaotic. The truth is, that it is not the Jewish banking conspiracy or the grey aliens or the 12 foot reptilians from another dimension that are in control.”
You’ve got to hand it to conspiracy theorists, if there is one thing they’ve given us — it’s that their kooky ideas make for some great fiction. This was where counterculture legend Robert Anton Wilson, inspired by the text of Principia Discordia, would begin drafting a story that would give way to the the Illuminatus! trilogy.
In writing the books, he created the conspiracy of the Illuminati that we have with us today.
The truth is more frightening, nobody is in control. The world is rudderless.
Origins of the real Illuminati
Sometimes real conspiracies exist. Warring factions vye for power and cut covert deals. Many times, organizations will arise in secret to overthrow supposed unjust governments or other ruling powers. Take conspiracy at face value and you see…
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