The Conspiracy Theory of "Social Engineering"

“It must be remembered that the first job of any conspiracy, whether it be in politics, crime or within a business office, is to convince everyone else that no conspiracy exists.” -- Gary Allen

In a broad context, "social engineering" is the endeavor of deliberately directing human society. At first glance, this would seem to be a monumental task - perhaps prohibitively so. Social and cultural qualities are generally thought to emerge organically from the collective mindset of the people. The concept of "zeitgeist" (the spirit of the times) is something we can readily perceive, but generally have indefinite ideas about how it comes to be.

There are, however, people in a position to influence the direction of culture and social order with some predictability. Those occupying high seats of power in media, politics, religion, and large-scale banking have an opportunity to leverage their position to further specific agendas.

We need not blindly accept specific claims about corruption, dark dealings, and grand conspiracies to get a sense for how this plays out in our world. In fact, we need not be in possession of any particular factual information at all. Sheer common sense can clue us in to how culture - and thus events, policy, and general behavior - can be manipulated to move in a particular direction.

A Broad Inquiry into History

We know that for all of recorded history there have been those who are apt to seek control over others; and that there have always been exceedingly wealthy and powerful people. We also know that knowledge can be a significant source of potential power; particularly when it rests exclusively in the hands of the few (as it did for much of history). And of course, knowledge of how to gain and maintain wealth and power would be especially valuable.

Do you think it reasonable that those in possession of such knowledge would seek to keep it secret, so as to maintain the power differential between them - the powerful - and those over whom they ruled? Do you think that these people, like those existing today, would desire and intend to pass along what they accumulated to their children (or proteges), and that in addition to their wealth and connections, they would seek to pass along this coveted knowledge? It's only natural that they would.

In this effort, the people of whom we speak would no doubt combine their efforts with others in their class - cooperation is always conducive to the achievement of any end. And so, the "secret society" becomes a way of sharing this knowledge in a limited capacity for mutual benefit, and to preserve and protect it in the present and for the future.

Over the generations, at what point would these motivations wane? At what point would this clandestine methodology no longer be advantageous? Is there any reason to suppose that such a time would ever come? It seems likely enough that these secret societies would continue to exist to this day; and that they would employ the knowledge carried and expanded upon over the centuries to further the same ends in our current time.

The Evolution of Power

I submit that as technologies have evolved in every other regard (though motivations remain the same) what was once the monarchy, justified by divine right, is now the democratic republic, justified by the political ritual of elections. But just as the kings of old left nothing to chance, nor do the power-seekers of today.

Do you believe that these people, steeped in millennia-long traditions of wealth and power (either by direct family lineage or by associations with secret societies), would leave their fate to a roll of the dice? That they would actually risk what they have attained in service to the whims of the bleating rabble? That they would abide the possibility of an unfavorable election undermining their status? It seems ludicrous to suppose that they would.

No... it is far more reasonable to suppose that they will ensure that your vote means nothing, and that it will never be permitted to pose any threat whatever to their standing. Politics is a merely a tool, an act of theater, offered to make the masses believe they have a hand in their own fate. It's as real as professional wrestling. When it comes to the most important, far-reaching decisions, politicians - even up to the President - are little more than actors; puppets for international bankers, old-money families, and the like. This recognition is supported by common sense, as well as factual information available to the earnest investigator.

The government we cling to in hopes of bettering our condition is a ruse. We sacrifice our freedom upon its altar, and fill its coffers by our toil, in the futile hope of garnering its blessings. But there is no God in this temple - only a frail old man behind a curtain who takes all with a satisfied grin, crafting meticulous illusions to keep us faithful to his deception.

Consider this in earnest. It is not the only reason for abandoning our hope in government, but it is a highly relevant one. The deck is stacked securely against us. It is literally impossible that we can ever use their tool to our benefit. They would sooner burn the whole thing down themselves than to ever let that happen.

"Conspiracy Theory"

The above description of humanity's condition is a theory of conspiracy. That is to say it presents a model for explaining and understanding one way in which people may conspire (i.e. plan together in secret). In this case, these plans are enacted to accomplish self-serving goals that undermine both the integrity and welfare of mankind.

The term "conspiracy theory" is colloquially used to indicate undue paranoia, irrationality, and outright insanity; but is there anything unreasonable in the aforementioned proposition? Is it not rational and prudent to suppose people would behave in this way? Isn't it rather undeniable? Do we not see this on many smaller scales - businesses, criminal gangs, even between relatively unorganized individuals?

It is very difficult to keep secrets in the information age. The printing press was a devastating blow, and the internet was an atom bomb. But every action is met with an equal and opposite reaction. Where outright withholding of information fails, dissuading people from accepting that information will serve in its stead. Today, distortion, obfuscation and marginalization are the tools of choice for the deceiver. Keep people from believing something, and it's just as good as them never hearing it at all.

Remain steadfast in your earnest investigation of Truth. Do not allow the influence of popular culture - a manipulated paradigm - to dissuade you from sound discernment. Remember that your morals are not embraced by all, and that there are people who will do things far outside the imaginings of the average person. An open mind is not gullible or naive; it is merely willing to permit every idea access to critical evaluation - no matter how outlandish it may seem at first glance.

Thanks for checking in!
Brian Blackwell

Relevant articles supporting a deeper understanding of the ideas presented above may be found here:

• Adventures in Consciousness: The Hero’s Path

• Adventures in Consciousness: The Path of the Dead

• The Forgery of Truth

• Language, Euphemism, and Distorted Definitions