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Proofs of a Conspiracy
The seminal classic on the rise of the Bavarian Illuminati, a massive conspiracy to infiltrate Masonic Lodges throughout the world in order to implement a takeover of power from the entrenched elite of the time. Robison's work is a foundation of modern conspiracy theory and is well worth the time to read for a thorough understanding of the role of conspiracy in history.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1797
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April 27, 2020
Book Review of Proofs of a Conspiracy Against All the Religions and Governments of Europe Carried on in the Secret Meetings of Freemasons, Illuminati, and Reading Societies, by John Robison
I first heard of the Illuminati during one of my many sleepless nights as a teenager. I remember distinctly the fervor wherewith I absorbed all information Illuminati-related, how it consumed my consciousness and sharpened my discernment. A majority of the information that I initially came across concerned the entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood and the music industry. Eventually, I encountered conspiracy theories centered around the 11 September 2001 attacks, the New World Order, Skull and Bones, Freemasonry—the list goes on.
As I aged and responsibilities increased, conspiracy theories receded to the back of my mind, though I retained a mindset skeptical of authority and the information they use to control public perception. However, after college I resumed my study at an accelerated pace. Whereas before I relied on Internet sources for guidance, I turned to primary sources that in earlier years I was unaware existed, such as John Robison’s Proofs of a Conspiracy, wherein Robison describes an intricate and organized plot to undermine and reconstitute society.
British physicist and natural philosophy professor at the University of Edinburgh, John Robison, contends that German law professor Adam Weishaupt established the secret society, the Illuminati, or, the “enlightened ones.” The Illuminati, Robison says, were responsible for the revolutions of the late eighteenth century, most prominently the French Revolution. He cites Germany, particularly Berlin, as Illuminati-hub and predicted that it would devolve with even more rapidity than France.
Robison pinpoints German reading societies specifically as an organ of the Illuminati, whereby he claims they spread their propaganda via pamphlet, periodical, literature generally, so as to assimilate society to their philosophy surreptitiously, appealed to “higher ideals” and being “for the people” as a means to overthrow monarchical regimes, and in order to institute state atheism and rule by the “enlightened.” Reading societies were particularly effective on the youth, given their influenceability. Similar tactics are employed to this day.
Freemasonry will likely be intrinsically tied to the Illuminati in popular culture, but with good reason. Robison himself claims in no uncertain terms that the Illuminati had overtaken or would eventually overtake all freemasonic lodges in Europe and used Freemasonry as the primary vehicle whereby they propagandized the European nations, having had already been established as a legitimate organization, but with enough uncertainty ideologically to control. Given that many prominent members of society were and perhaps are Freemasons, it is a worrisome thought.
Though the author, admittedly, is in poor health, Proofs of Conspiracy is a remarkable book in its forthrightness and the magnitude of his claims, which are well elaborated and rational. It is clear that his thoughts are honest ones and in no way contrived against any group for his, or seemingly anyone else’s, gain. Though Robison’s tone appears overwrought at times, the emotion and vigor wherewith he writes, and, most critically, his documentation of the Illuminati’s machinations in Europe, make this book invaluable to the serious historian.
I first heard of the Illuminati during one of my many sleepless nights as a teenager. I remember distinctly the fervor wherewith I absorbed all information Illuminati-related, how it consumed my consciousness and sharpened my discernment. A majority of the information that I initially came across concerned the entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood and the music industry. Eventually, I encountered conspiracy theories centered around the 11 September 2001 attacks, the New World Order, Skull and Bones, Freemasonry—the list goes on.
As I aged and responsibilities increased, conspiracy theories receded to the back of my mind, though I retained a mindset skeptical of authority and the information they use to control public perception. However, after college I resumed my study at an accelerated pace. Whereas before I relied on Internet sources for guidance, I turned to primary sources that in earlier years I was unaware existed, such as John Robison’s Proofs of a Conspiracy, wherein Robison describes an intricate and organized plot to undermine and reconstitute society.
British physicist and natural philosophy professor at the University of Edinburgh, John Robison, contends that German law professor Adam Weishaupt established the secret society, the Illuminati, or, the “enlightened ones.” The Illuminati, Robison says, were responsible for the revolutions of the late eighteenth century, most prominently the French Revolution. He cites Germany, particularly Berlin, as Illuminati-hub and predicted that it would devolve with even more rapidity than France.
Robison pinpoints German reading societies specifically as an organ of the Illuminati, whereby he claims they spread their propaganda via pamphlet, periodical, literature generally, so as to assimilate society to their philosophy surreptitiously, appealed to “higher ideals” and being “for the people” as a means to overthrow monarchical regimes, and in order to institute state atheism and rule by the “enlightened.” Reading societies were particularly effective on the youth, given their influenceability. Similar tactics are employed to this day.
Freemasonry will likely be intrinsically tied to the Illuminati in popular culture, but with good reason. Robison himself claims in no uncertain terms that the Illuminati had overtaken or would eventually overtake all freemasonic lodges in Europe and used Freemasonry as the primary vehicle whereby they propagandized the European nations, having had already been established as a legitimate organization, but with enough uncertainty ideologically to control. Given that many prominent members of society were and perhaps are Freemasons, it is a worrisome thought.
Though the author, admittedly, is in poor health, Proofs of Conspiracy is a remarkable book in its forthrightness and the magnitude of his claims, which are well elaborated and rational. It is clear that his thoughts are honest ones and in no way contrived against any group for his, or seemingly anyone else’s, gain. Though Robison’s tone appears overwrought at times, the emotion and vigor wherewith he writes, and, most critically, his documentation of the Illuminati’s machinations in Europe, make this book invaluable to the serious historian.
December 12, 2014
This is the original expose of the Illuminati…Robison goes through great detail about Adam Weisshaupt and his infiltration of the Free Masons with a grand plan to overturn the social and political order of Europe and his successes. The Illuminati was broken up by the Bavarian government over 200 years ago, but many believe that the organization survived and is even today operating behind the scenes everywhere from the conspiracy to establish a world government to planning the terrible events of 9/11. For further reading on this subject, check out Bloodlines of the Illuminati which brings this theory up to date.
January 24, 2015
There was some good information here. I mostly agree with a lot of what Robison says but don't like the way he says it. I have to admit that there is a huge cultural gap between his time and now.
October 13, 2010
This book is very very interesting reading..
Very interesting subject matter for the time in which it was written.
It shows how far back the intent to destroy Liberty in America began.
It wasn't 20 years after the constitution was ratified that the Progressives began conspiring to infiltrate U.S. Government and destroy out newly found liberty.
Very interesting subject matter for the time in which it was written.
It shows how far back the intent to destroy Liberty in America began.
It wasn't 20 years after the constitution was ratified that the Progressives began conspiring to infiltrate U.S. Government and destroy out newly found liberty.
April 11, 2022
A Must Read!
This book is, by far, the most thorough in its explanation of the Illuminati's penetration of Freemasonry, the French Revolution, and the ideals that have been passed down the generations.
The plot is common:
Take over the children's education.
Create a rift between the lower classes and anyone else above them.
Collapse merit-based systems in an attempt to exalt EQUALITY.
Destroy land owners.
You get the drift. The ideas these academics used to overthrow France are still in play today, under the name of equality, equity, and equality socialism.
Again, the book is a must read to any real truther.
This book is, by far, the most thorough in its explanation of the Illuminati's penetration of Freemasonry, the French Revolution, and the ideals that have been passed down the generations.
The plot is common:
Take over the children's education.
Create a rift between the lower classes and anyone else above them.
Collapse merit-based systems in an attempt to exalt EQUALITY.
Destroy land owners.
You get the drift. The ideas these academics used to overthrow France are still in play today, under the name of equality, equity, and equality socialism.
Again, the book is a must read to any real truther.
December 3, 2019
During the final year of the French Revolution, Scottish scholar John Robison published his research on the Illuminati secret society, and the role played by its member intellectuals, publishers, and idle nobles. Early chapters of the book trace the spread of the Illuminati via Masonic lodges throughout Germany and France from it's launch in Bavaria by University of Ingolstadt professor Adam Weishaupt. Robison is concerned that the corrupted European form of Masonry must not infect traditional Masonic lodges in Britain and Scotland.
Masonry in Europe departed from the basic three levels of Masonry. These levels were related to the skills and crafts of stone masons which were transmitted via Masonic ceremony and symbolism. Masonic lodges in Europe admitted members who were not stone masons, but persons of means who sought status via the symbolism of orders and office elaborated in Europe from three to over thirty orders. Many of these Masons in Europe were intellectuals and lesser nobility who resented the status and power of the royals, and sought ways to distinguish themselves. Their skeptical and antiauthoritarian writings were widely read throughout Europe, particularly by the Berlin-based publisher Nicolai.
In the Masonic lodges of Europe, Adam Weishaupt's Illuminati recruited members to their new secret society. The Illuminati took Masonic secrecy to new levels, concealing membership identity completely. Recruits did not even know the name of their Initiator, to whom they owed complete obedience. The system was reminiscent of Scientology and of terrorist cells. They saw themselves as illuminated/ enlightened to the deceptions of royal and priestly authority; and bringers of a morally superior world view and politics. Robison links the Illuminati to the Jacobins of the French Revolution, and to their ringleader, the Duke of Orleans, Grand Master of the Grand National Lodge at Paris.
John Robison wrote this book in the last year of his life when he was in ill health. At the same time, he prepared articles for the Encyclopædia Britannica that "gave a good account of the scientific, mathematical and technological knowledge of the day," and prepared for publication, in 1799, the chemical lectures of his friend and mentor, Joseph Black. His careful and learned scholarship is evident in "Proofs" of a Conspiracy. This text is fact-based, and should not be labeled "a polemic," as it is by Wikipedia.
Throughout the book, John Robison contrasts the Utopian assumptions and moral superiority of Illuminati doctrine with the down-to-earth balance and stability of the British constitutional monarchy. His insights and predictions accurately foresee the character of Illuminism and Revolution as they unfolded in the coming century in Marxism, Democratic Socialism, and Revolutionary Communism. For me, it is breathtaking to read his commentary, because it is perfectly descriptive of our present day powers and politics. While a bit difficult to read, due to the academic style and +200 year passage of time since its writing, I highly recommend this book to the serious student of world events and our part in them.
Masonry in Europe departed from the basic three levels of Masonry. These levels were related to the skills and crafts of stone masons which were transmitted via Masonic ceremony and symbolism. Masonic lodges in Europe admitted members who were not stone masons, but persons of means who sought status via the symbolism of orders and office elaborated in Europe from three to over thirty orders. Many of these Masons in Europe were intellectuals and lesser nobility who resented the status and power of the royals, and sought ways to distinguish themselves. Their skeptical and antiauthoritarian writings were widely read throughout Europe, particularly by the Berlin-based publisher Nicolai.
In the Masonic lodges of Europe, Adam Weishaupt's Illuminati recruited members to their new secret society. The Illuminati took Masonic secrecy to new levels, concealing membership identity completely. Recruits did not even know the name of their Initiator, to whom they owed complete obedience. The system was reminiscent of Scientology and of terrorist cells. They saw themselves as illuminated/ enlightened to the deceptions of royal and priestly authority; and bringers of a morally superior world view and politics. Robison links the Illuminati to the Jacobins of the French Revolution, and to their ringleader, the Duke of Orleans, Grand Master of the Grand National Lodge at Paris.
John Robison wrote this book in the last year of his life when he was in ill health. At the same time, he prepared articles for the Encyclopædia Britannica that "gave a good account of the scientific, mathematical and technological knowledge of the day," and prepared for publication, in 1799, the chemical lectures of his friend and mentor, Joseph Black. His careful and learned scholarship is evident in "Proofs" of a Conspiracy. This text is fact-based, and should not be labeled "a polemic," as it is by Wikipedia.
Throughout the book, John Robison contrasts the Utopian assumptions and moral superiority of Illuminati doctrine with the down-to-earth balance and stability of the British constitutional monarchy. His insights and predictions accurately foresee the character of Illuminism and Revolution as they unfolded in the coming century in Marxism, Democratic Socialism, and Revolutionary Communism. For me, it is breathtaking to read his commentary, because it is perfectly descriptive of our present day powers and politics. While a bit difficult to read, due to the academic style and +200 year passage of time since its writing, I highly recommend this book to the serious student of world events and our part in them.
March 10, 2020
Don't read
This book is most likely a bait of some sort created by the secret organizations. It continually speaks intelligently to no avail, no actual details are given on what goes on besides basic principles that state revelation or hidden detail besides the facts of religious division and constantly talking in circles to create illusions of content to be generated by luring you into no core or valuable information of knowledge. I put 5 stars purposely to let my comment pop up. Satan has deceptive tactics by simulating false useful information by making you think your gaining the upper hand. Jesus is Lord!!!
This book is most likely a bait of some sort created by the secret organizations. It continually speaks intelligently to no avail, no actual details are given on what goes on besides basic principles that state revelation or hidden detail besides the facts of religious division and constantly talking in circles to create illusions of content to be generated by luring you into no core or valuable information of knowledge. I put 5 stars purposely to let my comment pop up. Satan has deceptive tactics by simulating false useful information by making you think your gaining the upper hand. Jesus is Lord!!!
September 28, 2020
Do we want a world run by a Jesuit controlled Vatican or an atheistic Illuminati .
If one breaks both down neither is ideal.
Robison who believes in the former reveals through his investigations what the Illuminati has planned for the future. A world where women are more equal,morality is blurred, god is reduced in importance and man is united in a universal brotherhood without national boundariess.Sound familiar? That's because we are there already.
Either scenario is about control who is truly behind it is yet to be revealed.
If one breaks both down neither is ideal.
Robison who believes in the former reveals through his investigations what the Illuminati has planned for the future. A world where women are more equal,morality is blurred, god is reduced in importance and man is united in a universal brotherhood without national boundariess.Sound familiar? That's because we are there already.
Either scenario is about control who is truly behind it is yet to be revealed.
July 31, 2020
The beginning was much stronger than the end as the author has a tendency to dance around the point. I'd recommend reading only the first chapter then skimming to any parts of interest, particularly content on the French Revolution.
November 26, 2021
What I cannot stand is Robison's insistance that Britain is some kind of antidote to the Illuminati and its goals.
June 20, 2025
-1 star only because of the old English.
overall a very fun read!
overall a very fun read!
January 26, 2026
The conspiracies have been proved. It's crazy.
June 11, 2016
Crap.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews