They stand on a hilltop in Elbert County, Georgia, about 90 miles east of Atlanta. They were erected in 1980 by the Elbert Granite Finishing Company, at the paid request of a man who only identified himself as R. C. Christian (an obvious pseudonym). They convey ten dictates of human conduct in eight modern languages, and a brief introduction (“Let these be guidestones to an age of reason”) in four ancient languages: Egyptian hieroglyphics, classical Greek, Sanskrit, and Babylonian cuneiform. Their precise alignments function as a clock, a calendar, and a compass.  They have inspired countless conspiracy theories about the New World Order. Almost nothing else is known about them.

1. Maintain humanity under 500,000,000 in perpetual balance with nature.
2. Guide reproduction wisely — improving fitness and diversity.
3. Unite humanity with a living new language.
4. Rule passion — faith — tradition — and all things with tempered reason.
5. Protect people and nations with fair laws and just courts.
6. Let all nations rule internally resolving external disputes in a world court.
7. Avoid petty laws and useless officials.
8. Balance personal rights with social duties.
9. Prize truth — beauty — love — seeking harmony with the infinite.
10. Be not a cancer on the earth — Leave room for nature — Leave room for nature.