How Secret Societies and Social Media Changed Everything

From the Illuminati to Instagram: The Surprising Power of Hidden Networks

What do the Illuminati, Freemasons, and your favorite social media influencer have in common? According to Niall Ferguson, they all harness the power of networks to change the world. 'The Square and the Tower' is a fascinating journey through the history of secret societies and the rise of digital platforms, showing how both have shaped revolutions, ideas, and even the fate of nations.

In the 18th century, the Illuminati built a network of reform-minded thinkers who communicated in secret, using coded letters and clandestine meetings. Their influence spread rapidly, not through official channels, but through trust, shared ideals, and the thrill of belonging to something hidden.

Fast forward to today, and social media platforms play a similar role. Movements like the Arab Spring and #MeToo didn’t begin in government offices—they started with small, passionate circles that grew into global waves. Ferguson draws a direct line from the secret societies of the past to the viral hashtags of the present. The tools may have changed, but the dynamics of trust, secrecy, and rapid mobilization remain the same.

Yet, there’s a dark side. Just as rumors and conspiracies once spread in the shadows, today’s networks can amplify misinformation and division at lightning speed. The book’s analysis of how fake news and coordinated campaigns can destabilize societies is a warning for our times.

Ultimately, Ferguson argues that the future belongs to those who understand both the power and peril of networks. Whether you’re building a movement or defending against manipulation, the lessons of secret societies and social media are more relevant than ever.

In a world where influence is increasingly hidden, learning from the past is the key to surviving the future.

References: Blinkist, Shortform, LSE Review of Books 3 2 1