Rick Spence: CIA, KGB, Illuminati, Secret Societies, Cults & Conspiracies | Lex Fridman Podcast #451

Lex interviews historian Rick Spence, who is known for his expertise in intelligence agencies, espionage, secret societies, conspiracies, the occult, and military history. The conversation explores the history and practices of these groups, particularly focusing on the Russian intelligence services, the CIA, and the Nazi party. Spence examines the recruitment methods used by intelligence agencies, such as the use of money, ideology, coercion, and ego, and discusses how these methods can be leveraged for both good and evil. He also explores the role of secret societies in history, particularly the influence of the Thule Society on Nazi ideology. He goes on to delve into the history of anti-Semitism and the impact of "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion," which he describes as a "turd on a plate," a conspiracy theory that has been used to justify hatred towards Jews. The conversation concludes by looking at the nature of cults and their appeal, including a discussion of the Manson Family murders and the Zodiac Killer. Spence emphasizes the importance of understanding human nature and the ways in which people are drawn to groups, both for good and for evil, and the potential for both individual and collective delusions to lead to destructive consequences.

Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5IH3UnuaiLaNTB1PA4hMsN