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Secret societies capture our imagination as they blend power, mystery and symbolism that fuel countless conspiracy theories. We examine why humans are drawn to these narratives and what they reveal about our psychology.

• The Illuminati was founded in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt to promote reason and free thought, though conspiracy theories suggest they continue to influence world events today
• Freemasons evolved from a 14th-century stonemason guild into a philosophical fraternity with prominent members including Winston Churchill and Franklin D Roosevelt
• The Knights Templar protected Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land before being disbanded in 1307, with connections to the Holy Grail and other religious mysteries
• Yale's Skull and Bones society limits membership to 15 students per year and counts numerous US Presidents among its alumni
• The Bilderberg Group and Bohemian Grove represent modern gatherings of global elites that fuel speculation about world policy decisions
• The psychology behind secret society beliefs reveals our human need for order, pattern recognition, and having someone to blame when faced with chaos
• Most conspiracy theories stem from our discomfort with randomness and lack of control in world events
• Some "secret societies" like the Priory of Sion have been confirmed as hoaxes, while others genuinely exist but may not wield the influence attributed to them

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