Ask AI: what is the illuminati?

The Illuminati is a term that has been used to refer to various secret societies, both real and fictitious, throughout history. The original Illuminati was an 18th-century secret society founded in Bavaria by Adam Weishaupt, a professor of law. Officially called the Order of the Illuminati, its main goal was to promote Enlightenment-era ideas, reason, and the opposition of superstition and religious influence on public life. Over the centuries, conspiracy theories have developed surrounding the Illuminati, alleging that the group has continued to exist and exerts a hidden influence over world events. These theories often assert that a powerful, global elite of politicians, business magnates, and celebrities are members of the Illuminati, seeking to establish a New World Order. However, there is no credible evidence to support these claims, and the Illuminati is generally considered a myth or modern folklore by scholars and experts.