Mayim Bialik's Breakdown Inside the Hidden World of Secret Societies: Dr. Richard Spence On How They Form & How They're Still Influencing Our Politics
Nov 11, 2025
Dr. Richard B. Spence, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Idaho and expert on secret societies, delves into the mysterious world of clandestine organizations. He explores how secret societies have shaped history and politics, including the influence of the Freemasons on the Founding Fathers. Spence discusses the appeal of these groups, from exclusivity and rituals to their modern online incarnations. He even examines the connection between secret societies and dangerous leaders, revealing intriguing parallels with today’s political landscape.
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Secrecy Covers Internal Rituals Not Existence
- Secret societies often advertise their existence while keeping internal rituals and meanings hidden.
- The secrecy usually concerns what goes on inside, not the group's existence.
Selection And Oaths Build Loyalty
- Membership selection, oaths, and exclusivity create psychological appeal and loyalty.
- Secret oaths test trustworthiness and bind members to group norms without necessarily hiding public facts.
Fellowship Framing Masks Social Influence
- Freemasonry framed as self-improvement and fellowship, avoiding politics and religion in formal meetings.
- The organization cultivates like-minded members who can influence society once private meetings end.
