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The Illuminati

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Organization

The Resume

    (May 1, 1776-circa 1785)
    Born in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany
    Secret society founded by Adam Weishaupt
    Mission was to abolish all monarchies and religions
    Ordered suppressed by the Elector of Bavaria (1785)

Why they might be annoying:

    They created an elaborate hierarchy in which most of the members did not know the leadership's more radical plans.
    They infiltrated lodges of the Freemasons to multiply their influence.
    Although they were officially suppressed in 1785, conspiracy theorists think they continue to exist and are running the world from behind the scenes.
    They were allegedly responsible for every social upheaval from the French Revolution onwards.
    The eye above the pyramid on the dollar bill allegedly shows that the Illuminati are keeping watch over us.
    The Skull and Bones Society is allegedly an American offshoot of the Illuminati.
    If they are really running the world, there is not one damn thing you can do about it.
    Fnord.

Why they might not be annoying:

    Various freethinkers took advantage of their secretive nature to discuss Enlightenment ideas.
    Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a member.
    They inspired Robert Anton Wilson's 'Illuminatus!' satire.
    Given the last couple of people elected president, having the world really run by a secret society doesn't seem like such a bad idea.
    Fnord.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2023, Out of 15 Votes: 53.33% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 4 Votes: 75.00% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 9 Votes: 88.89% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 28 Votes: 42.86% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 18 Votes: 44.44% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 21 Votes: 52.38% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 5 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 5 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 7 Votes: 57.14% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 17 Votes: 58.82% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 19 Votes: 63.16% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 22 Votes: 68.18% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 15 Votes: 86.67% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 27 Votes: 85.19% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 59 Votes: 64.41% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 274 Votes: 45.62% Annoying
    In 2007, Out of 70 Votes: 74.29% Annoying