Illuminati comes from the Latin "illuminatus," meaning "enlightened" or "illuminated."
Meaning:
The Illuminati refers to several real and fictional organizations claiming to possess secret knowledge or influence over world events.
The term is often associated with conspiracy theories alleging that a hidden group of individuals controls global affairs for sinister purposes.
Origin:
1. Historical Illuminati:
The original Illuminati was a Bavarian secret society founded in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt.
Its goal was to promote Enlightenment values, oppose superstition, and fight against the influence of the Catholic Church and the state.
The Illuminati was disbanded in 1785 by the Bavarian government.
2. Modern Conspiracy Theories:
The term Illuminati has been popularized in modern times by conspiracy theorists who claim that a secret organization still exists today and manipulates world events.
These theories often involve themes of hidden power, global control, and a new world order.
There is no credible evidence to support the existence of such an organization.
Cultural Significance:
The Illuminati has become a symbol of hidden power and conspiracy in popular culture.
It has been featured in novels, movies, and television shows, often as a shadowy organization controlling events behind the scenes.
The term is also used as a general term for any group or individual believed to possess secret knowledge or influence.