The name of the Illuminati has apparently meant many things to many different people. But regardless of their position, most agree that Illuminati—and those who follow Illuminati doctrine—have attempted to gain some measure control over their fellow humans as well as the religious and political institutions of their time. This compulsion to control others is not limited to the Bavarian Illuminati. Many persons down through history, from dictators like Hitler and Stalin down to political and corporate leaders of today, have followed the tenets of Illuminism—the founding Illuminati doctrine that they alone had developed a personal enlightenment not accessible to the rest of humankind. This theology included the desire to control others, to operate in secrecy, and adhere to the idea that the end justifies the means. Thus, the shadow of the Illuminati has been cast right up to the events of today. So, we find that any reference to the Illuminati must distinguish between the old Bavarian organization, which is now defunct, and the theology of Illuminism, which is very much alive. But to fully comprehend Illuminism, one must trace the antecedents of this philosophy back through history to its origins.