Tell no one . . .

Today is the birthday of Adam Weishaupt (February 6, 1748 – November 18, 1830), a German educator, philosopher, freemason and founder of the Order of Illuminati.

What would conspiracy theorists do without his contributions to the world of ideas?

"I am proud to be known to the world as the founder of the Illuminati." - Adam Weishaupt

"Of all the means I know to lead men, the most effectual is a concealed mystery. The hankering of the mind is irresistible." - Adam Weishaupt

"Oh mortal man, is there anything you cannot be made to believe?" - Adam Weishaupt

"The great strength of our Order lies in it's concealment, let it never appear in any place in it's own name, but always covered by another name, and another occupation. None is fitter than the three lower degrees of Freemasonry, the public is accustomed to it, expects little from it, and therefore takes little notice of it. Next to this, the form of a learned or literary society is best suited to our purpose, and had Freemasonry not existed, this cover would have been employed; and it may be much more than a cover, it may be a powerful engine in our hands. By establishing Reading Societies, and subscription libraries, and taking these under our direction, and supplying them through our labours, we may turn the public mind which way we will." - Adam Weishaupt

Adam Weishaupt image credit (1)