By Unitedstatess 
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) was not founded by a Satanist. Caltech’s roots trace back to 1891, when Amos G. Throop, a businessman and philanthropist, established Throop University in Pasadena. It later evolved into the science and engineering powerhouse known today as Caltech.
The misconception may stem from the influence of Jack Parsons, a key figure in rocketry and one of the founders of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), who had ties to occultism. However, Parsons’ involvement came decades after Caltech’s founding, and he had no role in shaping the institution’s core mission or values.
Who Was Jack Parsons?
Jack Parsons was a brilliant scientist and co-founder of JPL in the 1930s and 1940s. While his contributions to rocketry were groundbreaking, his involvement with occult practices, particularly his association with Aleister Crowley’s Thelema, has contributed to some of the myths surrounding Caltech’s history. Parsons was an early advocate of rocket propulsion and played a pivotal role in advancing American space exploration. His personal interest in occultism did not influence Caltech’s academic or institutional principles.
The True Origins of Caltech
Caltech, as an institution, has always focused on science, research, and engineering. Its transformation into one of the world’s leading scientific research institutions began long after its founding, particularly in the early 20th century, through the efforts of influential figures like Robert Millikan, who played a major role in shaping Caltech’s academic direction. Caltech’s focus remains on cutting-edge scientific research and engineering excellence, with no ties to occultism or Satanism.
Separating Myth from Fact
Although Jack Parsons’ life and career are fascinating, his occult connections are entirely separate from the history and founding of Caltech. Today, Caltech is a world-renowned research university known for its contributions to fields like physics, engineering, and space exploration. Myths and conspiracy theories surrounding Parsons’ extracurricular activities have contributed to the misconception, but these have no bearing on the university’s founding or academic mission.
For more information, you can explore Caltech’s history on their official website: Caltech History.