My opinion is that governments keep us dumb in order to rule us easily and in whatever direction they wish. As Osho once said the society doesn't want us to be smart.
Even if we are talking about the first hand society or the secret one that is rumored to lead us from the other side of the curtain is the same tactics: whatever kind of technology, habits and drugs to keep the masses in in a partially sleepy state that allows to this "society" to apply any laws they want.
Going more deep into your statement that we "can't handle the truth" I can totally agree. Humanity is not ready to accept that there is only one God/Divine Power/Self or whatever you want to call it and that the essence of it is in everything.