[Dottore]

I have for some years been vaguely interested in secret societies solely from the standpoint of the amazing networks they seem to represent.

I'm thinking of the Knights Templar, Freemasons, Rosicrucians etc—but also even more esoteric sects. I stress that I'm not interested in the funny hats and secret handshakes—just the networks.

I recently had some dealings with a gentleman whose business card contained the legend "Member of the Knights of Malta" together with a Maltese cross. During the course of these dealings, which lasted a couple of weeks, this guy picked up the telephone a half dozen times and absolutely blew me away with the people he had access to in the very highest levels of government in three different Asian countries.

I lived and worked in Asia for many years and know how valuable and precious such "know-who" is, so was doubly impressed that this guy had this kind of access—apparently through his Knights of Malta network.

Anyone have similar experiences? I would love to hear from you. How the feck does one become a Knight of Malta for example? (I didn't have the presence of mind to ask this gentleman about this, and he's now far gone.)