22-Apr-19
This podcast is a fascinating exploration into Graham Hancock’s theories about lost civilizations and their potential connection to the Younger Dryas impact event. Hancock challenges mainstream archaeological dogma, proposing that the human story is much more complex and ancient than previously understood. Provocative topics include the existence of advanced pre-historic societies, the potential for global cataclysms, and the role of psychedelics in ancient cultures. Underlying themes explore the importance of open-mindedness in scientific inquiry, the limitations of traditional historical narratives, and the need to reevaluate our understanding of human potential.
1. The Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis:
Hancock argues that a cataclysmic comet impact around 12,800 years ago caused the Younger Dryas event, a period of rapid climate change and megafauna extinction.
This event, according to Hancock, may have wiped out a previously existing advanced civilization, leaving behind only fragmented memories in the form of myths and legends.
The discovery of a large impact crater in Greenland, dated to the Younger Dryas period, provides compelling evidence for this hypothesis.
Hancock argues that the Younger Dryas impact has been largely ignored by mainstream archaeology, which has resisted the idea of a global cataclysm in prehistory.
2. Challenging the Clovis First Paradigm:
The “Clovis First” paradigm in American archaeology has long held that the Clovis culture, dating back 13,400 years, represents the first human inhabitants of the Americas.
Hancock argues that new evidence, including the discovery of human artifacts dating back 130,000 years, challenges this paradigm.
This suggests that human presence in the Americas may have been much more extensive and ancient than previously understood, potentially indicating a longer history of civilization in the region.
Hancock contends that the Clovis First dogma has stifled research into older archaeological sites, as archaeologists have been reluctant to challenge the established narrative.
3. The Mystery of the Amazon:
The Amazon rainforest, often seen as a pristine and uninhabited wilderness, is revealed by Hancock to have a hidden history of advanced civilization.
The discovery of extensive geometric structures, evidence of large cities, and the unique “terra preta” soil, a man-made soil rich in nutrients, points to the existence of a sophisticated culture that could manipulate the environment to support large populations.
Hancock emphasizes the use of LIDAR technology in the Amazon, which has revealed the extent of these ancient structures, suggesting that there is still much more to be discovered in this vast and unexplored region.
He suggests that these structures may have been linked to spiritual beliefs, potentially involving ayahuasca, a powerful psychedelic plant medicine indigenous to the Amazon.
4. The Global Reach of Ancient Knowledge:
Hancock argues that the ancient world was connected by a network of knowledge and ideas that transcended geographical boundaries.
He points to similarities in religious symbolism, architectural motifs, and astronomical observations found in cultures across the globe, including Egypt, the Mississippi Valley, and the Amazon.
This suggests a common ancestry for these cultures, possibly stemming from a lost civilization that flourished in the distant past.
Hancock contends that this shared knowledge, including the concept of the soul’s journey after death and the importance of celestial alignments, may have been passed down through generations, shaping the beliefs and practices of numerous cultures.
5. The Importance of Psychedelics in Ancient Cultures:
Hancock highlights the role of psychedelics, particularly ayahuasca, in ancient cultures, suggesting that these substances may have been used to access altered states of consciousness and explore the mysteries of the universe.
He argues that the use of psychedelics in ancient societies was not simply recreational but served a profound spiritual and psychological purpose, providing insights into the nature of reality and the human condition.
Hancock advocates for a reevaluation of the negative stigma surrounding psychedelics, suggesting that these substances may hold valuable therapeutic and spiritual potential.
He contends that a lost civilization may have developed advanced understanding of psychedelics, incorporating them into their worldview and spiritual practices.
6. The Mystery of Ancient Maps:
Hancock explores the enigma of ancient maps, particularly those predating the invention of accurate chronometers, which were essential for calculating longitude.
He argues that these maps, which depict continents and coastlines with surprising accuracy, suggest a level of technology and navigational knowledge that was not thought to exist in those times.
The presence of Antarctica on these maps, depicted as it appeared during the last Ice Age, further strengthens Hancock’s theory of a global seafaring culture in the distant past.
Hancock suggests that these maps may have been created by a civilization that had access to advanced knowledge or technology, possibly including a method for calculating longitude that has since been lost.
7. The Anomalies of Ancient Technology:
Hancock discusses archaeological discoveries that challenge conventional timelines and understanding of ancient technology.
The Antikythera Mechanism, a complex astronomical computer dating back to 2,000 years ago, suggests a level of ingenuity and knowledge that is not fully understood.
Similarly, the discovery of sophisticated drilling tools and bone needles in Denisovaca Cave, dating back 40,000 years, points to the existence of advanced technology in the Paleolithic era, challenging the established narrative of technological development.
Hancock argues that these anomalies point to a forgotten history of technological innovation, potentially suggesting that ancient cultures may have possessed skills and knowledge that have since been lost.
8. The Human Species with Amnesia:
Hancock uses the phrase “a species with amnesia” to describe humanity’s collective forgetting of a vast and rich past.
He contends that we have been too quick to impose our own biases and preconceptions on the past, neglecting to fully consider the possibility of a more complex and ancient human story.
Hancock urges for a more open-minded approach to archaeology and history, suggesting that by embracing the mysteries of the past, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own humanity.
He believes that by uncovering the truth about our past, we can better understand who we are and what our potential may be.
9. The Importance of Storytelling:
Hancock emphasizes the importance of storytelling in preserving and transmitting knowledge across generations.
He argues that myths and legends, often dismissed as mere fantasies, may contain valuable information about the past, serving as fragmented memories of forgotten events and civilizations.
Hancock sees storytelling as a vital tool for connecting with the past and exploring the mysteries of the human story.
He encourages people to engage with these stories and explore their potential meaning, recognizing the power of narrative in shaping our understanding of the world.
10. The Potential of a Paradigm Shift:
Hancock believes that we are at a tipping point in our understanding of the human story, with accumulating evidence challenging established paradigms in archaeology and history.
He anticipates a paradigm shift, a fundamental change in our worldview, as we come to embrace a more complex and nuanced understanding of the past.
This paradigm shift, according to Hancock, will not only reshape our understanding of the past but also influence how we approach the present and future, prompting us to question our assumptions and embrace a broader view of human potential.
11. The Role of the Internet in Challenging Authority:
Hancock recognizes the transformative power of the internet in challenging established authority and opening up access to alternative perspectives.
He sees the internet as a powerful tool for disseminating information and ideas, allowing for a more critical and questioning approach to traditional narratives.
Hancock believes that the internet has empowered a younger generation to question established authority and seek out alternative sources of knowledge, fueling a growing demand for a more accurate and complete understanding of the past.
12. The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Scientific Inquiry:
Hancock critiques the rigidity of mainstream archaeology, suggesting that it has become too focused on maintaining established paradigms, rather than embracing new evidence and questioning existing assumptions.
He advocates for a more open-minded approach to scientific inquiry, emphasizing the importance of challenging established narratives and considering alternative theories, even those that may seem outlandish at first.
Hancock believes that true scientific progress requires a willingness to explore new possibilities and challenge established dogma.
13. The Role of Government in Shaping Society:
Hancock expresses concern about the role of government in shaping society, particularly its control over information and its tendency to exploit people’s fears.
He believes that governments should play a minimal role in individuals’ lives, particularly in matters related to personal consciousness and individual freedom.
Hancock advocates for a more decentralized and less controlling form of government, one that promotes personal responsibility and encourages a more open and inclusive society.
14. The Future of Humanity:
Hancock suggests that the future of humanity hinges on our ability to embrace a more open-minded approach to the world, recognizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of respecting the environment.
He advocates for a more harmonious relationship with the planet, recognizing the potential for global cataclysms and taking steps to mitigate those risks.
Hancock believes that the future holds immense possibilities for human development and progress, but only if we can overcome our limitations, embrace our interconnectedness, and learn from the wisdom of the past.
15. The Power of Personal Experience:
Hancock emphasizes the importance of personal experience in shaping our worldview and challenging established narratives.
He highlights the role of psychedelics in expanding consciousness and providing unique insights into the nature of reality.
Hancock believes that through personal exploration and introspection, individuals can gain valuable knowledge and wisdom that can challenge conventional thinking and lead to a more profound understanding of themselves and the world.
He suggests that embracing these experiences can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and social change.
16. The Importance of Curiosity:
At the heart of Hancock’s work is a deep and abiding curiosity about the past and a willingness to question established narratives.
He encourages others to embrace this curiosity, to explore the mysteries of the world, and to never stop seeking answers.
Hancock believes that by fostering a culture of curiosity and open-mindedness, we can unlock new possibilities for understanding ourselves and our place in the universe.
5 Memorable Quotes:
“The evidence is overwhelming that there was a global cataclysm roughly 12,500 to 12,800 years ago. It made sense to me in 1995 when I wrote ‘Fingerprints of the Gods’, but there was no compelling evidence for a global cataclysm then. I just had all the evidence seemed to point to that time and a massive global event.” – Hancock articulates his long-held belief in a cataclysmic event and how new evidence has validated his views.
“For best part of 50 years from the 1960s through until about 2010, American archaeology was locked in a dogma that they actually had a name for which was Clovis First. That they invented a name for a culture they called them the Clovis culture… they first appeared in the archaeological record 13,400 years ago and they vanished from the archaeological record 12,600 years ago and for a very long time it was maintained adamantly that these were the first Americans that no human being touched the soil of the Americas until 13,400 years ago…” – Hancock describes the “Clovis First” paradigm and the stifling effect it had on research into older archaeological sites.
“It’s been known by archaeologists for quite a long time that there are anomalous skulls in parts of Brazil which appear to show very strongly Polynesian or African features, very much like the features that we see on the Olmex heads.” – Hancock highlights the enigma of unusual skulls found in Brazil, suggesting a more complex history of human migration and interaction.
“One of the things I think is it was a civilization that used psychedelics. I think it was a civilization that emerged from shamanism but did not stay at the hunter-gatherer stage but that took the essence of shamanism and integrated it into a very different kind of civilization from our own which pursued things in different ways…” – Hancock proposes that a lost civilization may have incorporated psychedelics into their culture and worldview, potentially leading to different forms of advancement and understanding.
“We are a species with amnesia. It’s my favorite phrase… We have forgotten so much more about ourselves than we remember… we should allow the past to speak for itself and when it does so it speaks eloquently…” – Hancock emphasizes the importance of remembering our past and challenging our own assumptions, suggesting that the true story of humanity is much richer and more complex than we currently understand.