I’d say it has to do with acquiring power. If you can “tap into” some secret force in the universe that gives you more power, then that is going to lure power seekers (who do come in both flavors, the “conservative side” happens to be currently dominant) like fresh dung attracts flies.
I’d go so far as to say that people who keep seeking power are inherently insecure, which makes them more vulnerable to "Psst, hey buddy, want to learn to dominate others?’ type of approaches.
Our current “Buffoon-in-chief” is the poster child for this I’d say.
