There are a couple of problems with people’s perception of what the illuminati is and how it functions overall:

1
The Illuminati is no single organization

The reality is that the Illuminati does not refer to any single organization, as there are many “illuminated” groups who hold coveted secrets in relation to certain knowledge of both the material and the spiritual. In many cases, these organizations have a publicly stated modus operandi which is the M.O. that is entrained and propagated outward to the public by lower level members. It is important to note that as you ascend a hierarchy further towards its highest levels, in many cases that publicly stated mission deteriorates quickly and in many cases a different end goal that is much more insidious and based in negativity manifests.

2
Illuminati in its public view refers to “Elite” Societies

While Illuminati Groups and secret societies tend to have tiered levels of indoctrination into such organizations it is important to note that even they may not be parties to the highly dark and sadistic happenings that people tend to associate with “The Illuminati” as the one’s who are responsible for these types of actions are unofficially what could be considered “Elite Societies.”

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Examples of Illuminated Groups

It is important I make the distinction that while it is possible that members of such groups could be part of negative actions, I am unsure if the organization as a whole could be considered “evil.” It is not easy to discern
Freemasons (Split between both)
Rosicrucians (A.M.O.R.C)
The Mayans
Examples of Elite Societies
The former statement cannot be said for this group as it is highly likely that many if not all members of such organizations are aware and actively complement the actions of the other members in the goals they wish to achieve.
Skull and Bones
Bohemian Grove
Bilderberg Group
Freemasons (Degrees over 30 [not all members] as well as ties to Church of Satan/CIA/Vatican)