The Illuminati is a term commonly associated with several conspiracy theories, secret societies, and alleged clandestine organizations. These theories often claim that the Illuminati is a shadowy group that controls world events or has a secret agenda. However, it's important to clarify that the historical Illuminati, which existed in the late 18th century, is different from the modern conspiracy theories.
The historical Illuminati, known as the Bavarian Illuminati, was a secret society founded in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt in Bavaria (Germany). It aimed to promote Enlightenment values, such as reason, secularism, and the separation of church and state. The group was disbanded by the government in the late 1780s.
In modern times, various conspiracy theories have emerged, suggesting that a secretive group called the Illuminati wields enormous influence over global affairs. These theories lack credible evidence and are widely considered unfounded by experts. They often involve elaborate and speculative claims about controlling world governments, economies, and popular culture.
It's important to approach claims about the Illuminati with skepticism and critical thinking, as they typically lack substantiated evidence and are rooted in conspiracy rather than factual information.