The history of the international fraternity of Freemasonry is riddled with secrets. Attempting to make a definitive account of its beliefs, rituals and influence would prove to be an extremely difficult, if not impossible, task.

By their very nature, the Freemasons are a mysterious group, and although in the 21st century they claim to be “less a secret society and more a society with many secrets,” they do not relinquish covert information to non-members readily.

What is known about the Freemasons is that a phenomenal number of great innovators, thinkers, and influential individuals have been, upon closer inspection, members of this shadowy organization.

The following inventive and original minds all, in their own ways, changed the world — and they were also all members of the Freemasons.