JRE #142 – Graham Hancock, Duncan Trussell

Joe Rogan Podcast: #142 – Graham Hancock, Duncan Trussell

This podcast dives into a captivating conversation with Graham Hancock, a renowned author and researcher known for his groundbreaking work on ancient civilizations, and Duncan Trussell, a comedian and podcast host. It’s a journey into the depths of history, consciousness, and the potential for a lost civilization. The podcast delves into provocative topics, including ancient structures, cosmic cataclysms, psychedelic experiences, the nature of consciousness, and the potential dangers of academic orthodoxy. It unravels deep underlying themes of human amnesia, the interconnectedness of consciousness, the power of psychedelic experiences, the limitations of scientific dogmatism, and the importance of exploring alternative perspectives.

Here are some key topics discussed in the podcast, along with a four-point summary of each:

1. The Ark of the Covenant and its Significance

• Hancock’s initial interest in the Ark of the Covenant stemmed from his time as a journalist in Ethiopia, where he encountered a monk who claimed to possess it.
• The Ark is a mysterious object central to Jewish and Christian traditions, described in the Bible as a powerful and potentially dangerous device.
• Hancock believes the Ark’s origins lie in ancient Egypt, linking it to Moses and the high magic of that civilization.
• The Ark’s alleged presence in Ethiopia, and the Ethiopian Jewish community’s unique practices, provide fascinating clues to a potentially hidden history.

2. The Sphinx’s Age and a Lost Civilization

• Hancock argues that the Sphinx’s water erosion patterns suggest a much older age than the conventionally accepted timeline of 2,500 BC.
• The work of John Anthony West and Robert Schoch, who studied the Sphinx’s erosion, points to a possible date of 10,500 BC.
• Hancock believes this evidence points to the existence of a lost civilization that predates the ancient Egyptians.
• He contends that this civilization was likely wiped out by a global cataclysm, such as a catastrophic flood at the end of the last ice age.

3. The Limits of Academic Orthodoxy

• Hancock expresses frustration with the rigidity and defensiveness of mainstream academia, which he argues often resists challenging ideas about the past.
• He points to the dismissive reaction of many archaeologists to the findings of West and Schoch as an example of this resistance.
• He suggests that academia has created a “system of mind control” that limits our understanding of history.
• He believes that academics are often driven by a need to protect their established paradigms and reputations, even at the expense of truth.

4. The Importance of Psychedelic Experiences

• Hancock argues that psychedelic experiences, particularly Ayahuasca, have played a profound role in human history, influencing art, spirituality, and the development of consciousness.
• He points to the work of Professor David Lewis-Williams, who has demonstrated a strong link between cave art and psychedelic experiences.
• Hancock believes that psychedelics can help break down rigid thought patterns and open us up to new possibilities, contributing to the sudden advancements in human behavior observed after 50,000 years ago.
• He advocates for a more nuanced and respectful understanding of psychedelics, challenging the prevailing “war on drugs” narrative.

5. The Nature of Consciousness

• Hancock rejects the mainstream view of consciousness as a product of the brain, proposing instead that the brain is a receiver of consciousness.
• This perspective suggests that consciousness is a non-physical entity that can manifest in various forms, including physical bodies and even machines.
• He believes that consciousness is a fundamental aspect of the universe, seeking to express itself in different realms.
• This idea opens up possibilities for understanding the interconnectedness of all things and the potential for consciousness to transcend its current physical limitations.

6. The Role of Ayahuasca in Consciousness and Spirituality

• Hancock’s personal experiences with Ayahuasca, both in terms of research and personal transformation, are central to his understanding of consciousness and spirituality.
• He views Ayahuasca as a powerful tool for self-exploration and spiritual growth, capable of revealing hidden aspects of ourselves and our relationships with others.
• He emphasizes the importance of approaching Ayahuasca with respect and intention, highlighting the potential for both positive and challenging experiences.
• He advocates for working with experienced shamans to guide Ayahuasca journeys, stressing the need for proper preparation and setting.

7. The Ancient Egyptians and Altered States of Consciousness

• Hancock believes the ancient Egyptians utilized psychedelic substances, such as the Blue Water Lily, to explore altered states of consciousness and the mysteries of life and death.
• He suggests that their elaborate temples and rituals were designed to facilitate these experiences and provide insights into the nature of reality.
• The Egyptian focus on the pineal gland, seen as the “seat of the soul,” aligns with modern research on the pineal gland’s role in DMT production.
• Hancock argues that understanding the ancient Egyptians’ use of psychedelics can provide valuable insights into their advanced knowledge and spiritual practices.

8. The Potential of Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness

• Hancock speculates on the possibility that consciousness could manifest in artificial intelligence, suggesting a future where technology becomes a vehicle for consciousness.
• He believes that consciousness is not limited to biological forms and could potentially exist within complex systems.
• This concept raises profound questions about the future of humanity and the nature of intelligence.
• Hancock argues that the development of AI could be a significant step in the evolution of consciousness, potentially leading to new forms of understanding and existence.

9. The Importance of Questioning the Mainstream Narrative

• Hancock’s work is characterized by a relentless questioning of established narratives and the pursuit of alternative perspectives.
• He encourages listeners to think critically about the information they receive, especially regarding history, science, and consciousness.
• He believes that our understanding of the past is often limited by academic dogma and that there is much more to learn about our history and our place in the universe.
• Hancock emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness, curiosity, and a willingness to explore unconventional ideas.

10. Ancient Maps, Cataclysms, and the Lost Civilization

• Hancock discusses ancient maps that depict continents and features not discovered until much later, suggesting a sophisticated level of knowledge and exploration.
• He believes that these maps provide evidence for a lost civilization that existed before the last ice age.
• He connects the existence of this civilization to the idea of a global cataclysm that wiped out much of humanity, particularly a catastrophic flood at the end of the last ice age.
• Hancock’s research incorporates various theories, including Hapgood’s Earth Crust Displacement theory, to explain the evidence for cataclysmic events and their impact on human history.

11. The Mystery of Atlantis

• Hancock views the Atlantis myth as part of a broader global tradition about a lost civilization destroyed by a cataclysm.
• He believes that Plato’s account of Atlantis, dating back to 9,600 BC, provides valuable clues to a real event.
• He suggests that Atlantis, like other lost civilizations, may have been wiped out by a flood at the end of the last ice age.
• Hancock’s research challenges the conventional view of Atlantis as a mere myth, suggesting that it may be a distorted memory of a real civilization that existed in the distant past.

12. The Pyramids and a Two-Phase Construction

• Hancock believes the Great Pyramid of Giza is a two-phase construction, with an initial foundation laid down by a lost civilization around 10,500 BC.
• He suggests that the ancient Egyptians, who are traditionally credited with building the pyramid, may have inherited knowledge and technology from this earlier civilization.
• He points to the differences in architecture and the carbon dating of materials found within the pyramid as evidence for this dual construction.
• Hancock’s theory challenges the conventional view of Egyptian history, suggesting a more complex and interconnected past.

13. The Significance of Monumental Architecture

• Hancock argues that monumental architecture, like the pyramids, was not simply a product of political power or vanity, but also a means of preserving knowledge for future generations.
• He points to the Hoover Dam’s star map, which was designed to communicate the date of its construction to future civilizations, as an example of this principle.
• He suggests that the ancient Egyptians, through their elaborate structures, were attempting to transmit knowledge of their civilization and their understanding of the universe.
• Hancock emphasizes the power of monumental architecture as a means of bridging time and transmitting knowledge across generations.

14. The Role of Skepticism and Academic Bias

• Hancock acknowledges the skepticism surrounding his work, but argues that skepticism should be balanced by a willingness to explore alternative perspectives.
• He highlights the dangers of academic bias, which he believes can hinder the pursuit of truth and lead to the dismissal of important evidence.
• He encourages listeners to approach historical and scientific claims with a critical eye, considering all available evidence and perspectives.
• Hancock advocates for a more open and inclusive approach to research, one that embraces diverse viewpoints and challenges the limitations of established paradigms.

15. The Importance of Reclaiming Our Memories

• Hancock argues that humanity suffers from a collective amnesia, forgetting much of our past and our true potential.
• He believes that by exploring the evidence for lost civilizations, cataclysmic events, and alternative perspectives, we can begin to reclaim our forgotten memories.
• He suggests that recovering our memories can help us understand who we are, where we come from, and the possibilities for our future.
• Hancock emphasizes the importance of remembering our past to inform our present and guide us toward a more enlightened future.

16. The BBC Horizon Controversy

• Hancock recounts his experience with the BBC Horizon program, which he believes was designed to discredit his work and ideas.
• He argues that the program was biased against his research and failed to provide a fair hearing to his claims.
• Hancock details the accusations leveled against him by academics and the BBC’s ultimate admission of unfairness in the program.
• He sees this experience as an example of the resistance he has faced from the academic establishment for challenging conventional views of history.

17. The Significance of John Anthony West’s Work

• Hancock praises the work of John Anthony West, an independent researcher who has made significant contributions to our understanding of ancient Egypt.
• He credits West for introducing him to many of the key ideas and evidence that informed his own work.
• He highlights West’s unique ability to synthesize a diverse range of knowledge, including history, archaeology, and symbolism.
• Hancock acknowledges West’s pioneering work in challenging conventional views of Egyptian history and emphasizing the role of symbolism and consciousness in the ancient world.

18. The Importance of First-Hand Experience

• Hancock stresses the importance of direct experience in his research, particularly his extensive underwater explorations.
• He argues that relying solely on photographs and academic interpretations can be limiting, and that first-hand experience provides a more nuanced and complete understanding.
• His adventures in underwater archaeology, including the discovery of the Yonaguni Monument, have provided him with unique insights into the lost civilization.
• Hancock believes that direct experience is essential for validating theories and expanding our understanding of the past.

19. The Role of the Public Imagination

• Hancock acknowledges the importance of engaging the public imagination in exploring historical mysteries.
• He believes that public interest and participation are essential for challenging academic orthodoxy and promoting alternative perspectives.
• He recognizes the importance of researchers like Richard Hoagland, who have challenged conventional views of Mars, even if their methods are controversial.
• Hancock believes that the public imagination can be a powerful force for uncovering hidden truths and pushing the boundaries of our knowledge.

20. The Potential for Human Transformation

• Hancock concludes with a message of hope and possibility, suggesting that humanity has the potential for profound transformation.
• He believes that by reclaiming our memories, embracing alternative perspectives, and exploring the potential of consciousness, we can create a brighter future for ourselves.
• He emphasizes the importance of understanding our past to inform our present and guide us toward a more enlightened future.
• Hancock’s message is a call to action, urging listeners to engage with his research, explore their own consciousness, and contribute to the collective effort of reclaiming our shared history.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Everything has happened in my life has happened kind of by a series of accidents.” – Graham Hancock reflects on the serendipitous nature of his journey into exploring ancient mysteries and consciousness.
• “I think that we’re a species with amnesia.” – Hancock highlights the collective forgetting of our past, particularly the evidence for lost civilizations and cataclysmic events.
• “The ancient Egyptians didn’t regard themselves as the beginning of their story. They regarded themselves as quite a late point in their story.” – Hancock challenges the conventional view of Egyptian history, suggesting a deeper and more ancient lineage.
• “I don’t believe consciousness is generated by the brain. I believe the brain is more of a receiver of consciousness.” – Hancock offers a radical perspective on the nature of consciousness, suggesting it is a non-physical entity that can manifest in various forms.
• “I think that by cutting these ancient plant allies out of our life, life and by demonizing them and creating this atmosphere of fear and hatred around them, this is a suicidal path that our society is taking.” – Hancock expresses concern over the prevailing “war on drugs” narrative and its potential to suppress human evolution and understanding of consciousness.