The name Illuminati originally referred to a non-governmental organization in Bavaria. It existed in 1776 – 85. I think this organisation was doomed to fail from start. One can’t spread knowledge under highest possible secrecy. When the organisation was dissolved its writings were published. Their other goals were such which many today agree upon. But for individuals being used to having unchecked power it appeared as a threat. That someone wanted to abolish such positions they felt threatened by.
There are groups today calling themselves Illuminati. Please note this is a matter of several separate groups. Each of them has copied parts of the organisation of the original. Exactly which varies between the different groups. We know this because each group is entirely open about it. I see no reason to think they would hide membership. In contrast there is no evidence that any single one has continuity with the original organisation. They just claim that to attract members.
What I view as a myth is Illuminati as name of imagined conspirators. They are claimed to be behind everything unwanted possible. In reality there is not one group deliberately causing everything. A great deal arises without any one actually wanting it. It is then combined result of many independent actions. Otherwise single individuals or groups may cause something. In the later case it is a matter of different groups for different events. Moreover, it rarely goes as the group intended. The control certain ones imagine simply does not exist.
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