Some Thoughts on What We Don't Know About the Human Story
Could advanced civilizations before our known history destroy the narrative foundations that shape the myths of Abrahamic religions
I recently came across a post by Brian Roemmele, an Artificial Intelligence and technology expert I follow on X, that got me reflecting deeply on the fragmented nature of the human narrative.
In his post, Brian shared an image (which I’ve included below) that juxtaposes ancient symbols from various civilizations across the world—India, Russia, Mexico, Mesopotamia, and Egypt. The striking similarities between these symbols sparked a series of questions in my mind about our collective history and the stories we tell ourselves.
Here is the tweet he shared:
What if there were civilizations far more advanced than we assume, existing long before the ones we currently acknowledge? I am not the only person who has pondered this question. What if these civilizations were wiped out by some global cataclysm, leaving behind only faint echoes in the form of symbols and myths? The possibility that entire cultures and their contributions could have been erased from history is not just intriguing—it’s profoundly unsettling.
These symbols, found in different corners of the world, seem too similar to be mere coincidence. They hint at a shared knowledge or experience that predates the recognized dawn of civilization.
If we were to uncover more about these pre-cataclysmic civilizations, it could challenge the very foundations of the Abrahamic religions. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have all been built upon core narratives, or memes, that originated from the available knowledge and experiences of their time. But what if those foundational myths were themselves built on a selective understanding of an even older, forgotten past?
This brings me to a troubling thought: If evidence of such ancient civilizations were to come to light, it could cause a seismic shift in how we perceive human history and religious beliefs. There may be powerful incentives—both conscious and unconscious—to suppress or dismiss findings that contradict these long-standing religious narratives. The ramifications of such discoveries could be too destabilizing for societies that have built their identities around these religious tenets.
It’s not just about lost civilizations; it’s about the stories we choose to remember and those we choose—or are compelled—to forget. The image that Brian Roemmele shared serves as a reminder that the human story might be far more complex and interconnected than we dare to imagine.
My X post, where I shared this hypothesis
The human narrative remains fragmented, and the evidence suggests a possible reason.
Let me explain my best guess as to what is going on:
It's plausible that any remnants of an advanced civilization predating a global calamity might have been irretrievably lost, obliterating traces of their existence.
Consequently, uncovering any insights about these pre-cataclysmic civilizations could fundamentally challenge the foundations of the Abrahamic religions. Judaism established the core narratives, or memes, of these religions based on the information and experiences available at the time. Christianity and Islam then branched off from these Jewish narratives, creating new sets of memes that evolved into distinct religious traditions. Over time, entire civilizations have been built upon these narratives, which originated from these foundational myths.
This has led to a scenario where there appear to be strong motivations to suppress or dismiss archaeological discoveries that might contradict these religious tenets.
Let's break down the potential reasons and evidence behind this hypothesis:
Lost civilizations: Throughout history, numerous civilizations have risen and fallen, leaving behind only fragments of their existence. The possibility that an advanced civilization predating a global calamity might have been completely wiped out raises questions about whether any remnants of their culture, technology, or knowledge remain. If such evidence were to be discovered, it could challenge our understanding of human history and the development of modern societies.
Global flooding events: Geological and archaeological records suggest that Earth has experienced several massive flood events throughout its history, some of which might have been catastrophic enough to obliterate entire civilizations. For instance, the Younger Dryas impact hypothesis proposes a comet or asteroid impact during this period, which could have caused widespread devastation, reshaping the landscape, and triggering significant climate shifts.
Religious foundations: The Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) are based on foundational narratives that often intertwine mythology with historical events. These stories can be traced back to earlier mythologies, such as Mesopotamian or Egyptian lore, which might have been influenced by pre-cataclysmic civilizations. If evidence were to emerge that contradicted these religious foundations, it could lead to a reevaluation of their significance and potentially destabilize the belief systems.
Incentives for suppression: Given the importance of religious beliefs in shaping cultural identities, political structures, and social values, there would be strong incentives to conceal or dismiss any archaeological findings that challenge these foundations. This might involve deliberate attempts to suppress research, alter evidence, or discredit alternative narratives. It's essential to consider both conscious and unconscious motivations for this suppression.
Archaeological challenges: The passage of time, geological processes, and human activities can significantly impact the preservation and recovery of ancient artifacts and sites. In cases where archaeological evidence might be present, it could be difficult or even impossible to decipher its meaning due to the nature of the cataclysmic event or subsequent natural and cultural transformations.
Alternate explanations: Alternative theories or interpretations might also emerge to explain similarities between mythologies and historical events without necessarily shaking the foundations of the Abrahamic religions. There may be other fascinating theories that need to be considered. Scholars, researchers, and theologians have long debated these connections, and new discoveries could lead to further refinements in our understanding.
While there is no consensus on the evidence for a lost civilization predating a global calamity, the possibility remains intriguing and worth exploring.
The potential implications for human history, religious beliefs, and cultural identity are profound, which might contribute to the reluctance to go down this rabbit hole.
As new discoveries and insights emerge, it's crucial to remain open to alternative explanations and interpretations while respecting the complexity of our shared human narrative.
I recently read an interesting paper from Harvard. It blew my mind to consider the possibilities of the true nature of the human story.
The #BitcoinWorldOrder and #PoliticalHumanism, if I have my way, will be grounded in objective truth and reality. AI is going to help us achieve that goal.
Exploring the Possibility of Lost Advanced Civilizations
Now that I've opened the mental pathways for the reader to successfully cast doubt on the very foundations of the Abrahamic religions, I want to share a resource that provides a comprehensive overview of the current historical timeline as we know it.
This YouTube video offers a detailed timeline of world history, highlighting significant periods and events that have shaped our understanding of the human narrative.
The video outlines the division of history into distinct time periods—such as the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Classical Antiquity, Middle Ages, and the Modern Period—and highlights key developments and civilizations within each era. By examining this broader timeline, it becomes evident that the Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—emerged relatively late in the grand scheme of human history. This overview perspective suggests that these religions evolved from a much narrower timeframe compared to the vast expanse of human development. Consequently, it raises questions about the extent to which these religious narratives are built upon earlier, potentially forgotten or overlooked historical contexts and how this might influence our understanding of their origins and significance.
By examining the evolution of human societies, technologies, and cultures, the video provides context for how our current understanding of history has been formed.
Understanding the established timeline is crucial as we continue asking questions about the possibility of lost advanced civilizations before ours.
If we uncover evidence that challenges the mainstream historical narrative, it could have profound implications for our understanding of human history and the foundations of major religious beliefs.
To further explore this idea, here are some additional videos that deconstruct the Abrahamic narratives and offer alternative perspectives on human history:
1. Lost Civilizations: The Enigmatic History of Ancient World
This video explores the possibility of advanced technologies and a global civilization existing before our current historical understanding.
The video begins by exploring the idea that our current historical timeline might not be the first time advanced technologies and a global civilization have existed on Earth. The suggestion is that there could have been highly advanced societies long before the earliest known civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley.
It highlights various ancient structures and artifacts that challenge conventional historical narratives. For instance, the precision of the Great Pyramids of Giza, the intricate stonework of Machu Picchu, and the advanced engineering of the ancient city of Teotihuacan are cited as examples of technological capabilities that seem to surpass the known skills of their respective time periods.
The video also touches on ancient myths and legends that speak of advanced beings and lost continents like Atlantis. These stories, found in cultures across the globe, often describe civilizations with technologies and knowledge far beyond what we attribute to ancient peoples. The alignment of these myths, despite geographical distances, raises intriguing questions about their origins and potential connections.
Furthermore, the video discusses the mysterious artifacts that appear to be out of place and time, such as the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek analog computer, and the Baghdad Battery, which some believe to be an ancient galvanic cell. These artifacts suggest that ancient people might have had access to knowledge and technologies that were lost over time.
One of the significant points made is the concept of cataclysmic events resetting human progress. The video proposes that natural disasters, such as floods, volcanic eruptions, or asteroid impacts, could have wiped out advanced civilizations, leaving only fragmented evidence of their existence. This theory aligns with the stories of global floods found in many ancient texts and legends.
The possibility of a global civilization is further explored through similarities in architectural styles, cultural practices, and artifacts found in disparate parts of the world. The video suggests that these similarities might indicate a shared origin or a high level of interaction between ancient civilizations, far beyond what is currently accepted by mainstream archaeology.
The narrative then shifts to modern efforts to uncover and understand these lost civilizations. Advanced technologies, such as ground-penetrating radar, satellite imagery, and deep-sea exploration, are being used to discover hidden structures and artifacts. These tools have already led to remarkable discoveries, such as the underwater ruins off the coast of Japan and the potential ancient cities beneath the Amazon rainforest.
The video presents a compelling argument that our understanding of ancient history might be incomplete. It calls for an open-minded approach to archaeology and history, one that considers the possibility of advanced ancient civilizations and encourages further exploration and research. The idea is not to discard current knowledge but to expand it, incorporating new findings and re-evaluating old assumptions to gain a more comprehensive understanding of our past.
2. What if Humans Are NOT Earth's First Civilization?
PBS Space Time explores speculative ideas about whether humans are indeed the first technological civilization on Earth by examining the Silurian hypothesis, which questions the existence of pre-human industrial civilizations.
The video begins by addressing a common question: how confident are we that humans are the first technological civilization on Earth? To frame this discussion, it references the Drake equation, which estimates the number of intelligent alien civilizations in our galaxy by multiplying several factors. One critical factor is the probability of a technological civilization arising and surviving. Currently, our understanding is limited because we only have one example: us. But if we discovered evidence of another technological civilization, even on our own planet, it would dramatically alter our estimates.
The video examines the idea that life may have started independently twice on Earth. It cites the discovery of a zircon crystal in Australia, which contains a tiny speck of carbon that seems to have been processed by a living organism. This crystal dates back to around 4.1 billion years, predating the earliest known fossils. If true, this suggests that life can arise quickly given the right conditions, significantly updating our understanding of life's origins. However, verifying this is extremely difficult because much of the early fossil record has been erased by tectonic activity.
The video then raises a provocative question: could we know if we are the first technological civilization on Earth? It introduces the Silurian hypothesis, proposed by NASA climatologist Gavin Schmidt and physicist Adam Frank. The hypothesis explores whether pre-human industrial civilizations might have existed and what evidence they might have left behind.
Our species has been around for roughly 300,000 years, but our significant impact on the planet has been relatively recent, especially post-industrial revolution. The video explains that our cities and constructions, while impressive, won't last millions of years. They will erode, be covered up, or pulled into the Earth's mantle by tectonic processes. This means that any sign of our civilization could be erased over geological timescales.
To explore this idea further, the video considers what evidence our civilization might leave behind for future archaeologists. Fossilization rates are low, and much of our impact would be confined to a thin layer in sedimentary rock. This "Anthropocene layer" would contain chemical and isotopic markers of our activity, such as industrial pollutants, plastics, and changes in carbon isotope ratios due to our CO2 emissions.
Schmidt and Frank's Silurian hypothesis suggests looking for similar markers in the geological record. They identify hyperthermals and ocean anoxic events as potential signs of past industrial activity. Hyperthermals are periods of rapid global temperature increases often accompanied by shifts in carbon isotope ratios, suggesting a rapid release of CO2. Ocean anoxic events are characterized by drops in ocean oxygen levels and mass die-offs of marine life.
However, the video points out that natural processes can also produce these signals. Volcanic eruptions, asteroid impacts, and shifts in Earth's orbit can cause similar changes. Thus, distinguishing between natural and artificial causes requires careful analysis of the geological context.
The video concludes by emphasizing that while there is no evidence of pre-human industrial civilizations, the Silurian hypothesis serves a valuable purpose. It refines our understanding of what to look for if we wanted to find such evidence. Discovering a pre-human civilization would have profound implications for our understanding of our place in the universe and could guide our search for past civilizations on other planets. Most importantly, it would remind us of our own fragility and the importance of sustainability to avoid becoming just another brief chapter in Earth's history.
In essence, the Silurian hypothesis challenges us to think critically about our assumptions and consider the possibility that we might not be the first advanced beings to walk the Earth.
3. Was There an Advanced Civilization Before Our Own?
This video takes the viewer on a journey into Earth's ancient past, exploring the tantalizing question: could advanced civilizations have existed before our own?
The video explores humanity's limited understanding of its own history. Modern humans have existed for around 200,000 years, but only about 5,000 of those years have been documented. This means a staggering 97.5% of human history remains unknown, leaving ample room for speculation about lost civilizations.
The video posits that while humans have long wondered about intelligent life in the universe, there's a more immediate and equally fascinating mystery to consider: the possibility of forgotten advanced societies right here on Earth. It challenges the traditional view that human advancement has been linear and uninterrupted, suggesting instead that our ancestors may have built sophisticated civilizations that were subsequently obliterated by cataclysmic events.
One central figure in this discussion is Graham Hancock, a writer and independent archaeologist who proposes that a prehistoric human civilization once thrived and was wiped out by a massive comet impact around 10,800 BC. This event, he argues, caused a dramatic and rapid shift in the Earth's climate, leading to widespread flooding and the near-total destruction of this advanced society. According to Hancock, the survivors of this cataclysmic event traveled the world, sharing their knowledge with the remaining hunter-gatherer tribes, thus planting the seeds for the civilizations that we know today.
Hancock's theory, while controversial, is supported by some intriguing, albeit circumstantial, evidence. He points to sites like the Sphinx in Egypt, which he argues shows signs of water erosion that could date back to a time of heavy rainfall before 5,000 BC. Additionally, he highlights the ancient site of Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, which dates back to 9,500 BC and features sophisticated architecture and carvings that seem out of place for a hunter-gatherer society.
Despite these claims, the video maintains a critical perspective, acknowledging that mainstream archaeology has largely dismissed Hancock's theories. Critics argue that his evidence is speculative and that he often overlooks simpler explanations in favor of more sensational ones. For example, while Hancock cites the global flood myths found in many ancient cultures as evidence of his proposed comet impact, skeptics point out that such stories could also be explained by localized flooding events or other natural disasters.
The episode also briefly explores the more far-fetched idea that a non-human civilization could have existed millions of years before humans evolved. This hypothesis, known as the Silurian hypothesis, suggests that if an intelligent species had advanced to the level of industrialization, its traces would be incredibly difficult to detect after millions of years due to natural erosion and geological processes. While intriguing, this idea remains purely speculative, with no concrete evidence to support it.
The video invites viewers to consider the vast unknowns of human history and the possibility that our ancestors may have achieved more than we currently understand. While the theories presented are controversial and often speculative, they remind us of the gaps in our knowledge and the enduring allure of the mysteries of our past.
You can explore Graham Hancock’s theories further in the Netflix documentary Ancient Apocalypse and go deeper into his scientific debate with archaeologist Flint Dibble on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
4. The Oldest Religion in the World: The Origin of Belief
This video dives into into the origins of religious beliefs, tracing their development from ancient times to the present. It examines how early civilizations influenced religious practices and narratives, potentially challenging the foundations of the Abrahamic religions.
The journey begins with the understanding that religion is a belief in the supernatural, involving rituals and communal worship. The video explores how evidence of these behaviors can be traced back through history, highlighting the challenges in identifying early religious practices due to the lack of written records.
The video addresses the misconception that a religion requires a god, pointing out that many early belief systems, such as animism and shamanism, did not incorporate an omnipotent deity. Instead, they recognized spirits, ancestors, and other non-human entities. Buddhism, for example, focuses on a moral and philosophical system rather than a personal god.
Focusing on the Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—the video explains that these religions are relatively young, with roots tracing back around 4,000 years. The Abrahamic religions have been monotheistic for approximately 3,000 years, suggesting that earlier human beliefs were likely polytheistic or even animistic.
Judaism, the oldest of the Abrahamic religions, established itself in the Near East and transitioned from polytheism to monotheism during the Babylonian exile (It's important to note that they may still retain some polytheistic sects, but I digress). The video discusses how the Hebrew Bible, or Tanakh, reflects this transition and incorporates myths from other ancient cultures. For instance, Deuteronomy 32:8-9 hints at a polytheistic past where Elyon, a chief god, assigned nations to the sons of God, with Yahweh receiving Israel as his portion.
The video also highlights the influence of Mesopotamian religions on the Abrahamic religions. Mesopotamian myths, such as creation stories and flood narratives, shaped the foundational myths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These ancient religions were polytheistic, with gods associated with natural forces and societal roles, and their stories evolved as they spread through migration and cultural exchange.
One key factor in the spread of Mesopotamian religions was agricultural farming. As Neolithic farmers migrated in search of fertile land, their religious beliefs and practices traveled with them, influencing cultures across Europe and the Near East. The video explains how creation myths, journey-to-the-underworld narratives, and other religious motifs migrated and evolved, reflecting the changing needs and environments of different societies.
The video then explores the impact of Egyptian religion, which, like Mesopotamian beliefs, was polytheistic and emphasized the afterlife. Egyptian myths and rituals influenced the Abrahamic religions, particularly in the cosmogony of Genesis and other biblical narratives.
Further tracing the origins of religious beliefs, the video examines the Indo-European cultures, whose linguistic and cultural traditions spread across Europe and into India. These cultures practiced polytheism, with consistent motifs in their mythology, such as sky gods and earth goddesses. The video explains how Indo-European myths, like the creation myth involving Manu and Yemo, influenced later religious narratives.
As the video moves back in time, it explores early settlements like Jericho and Göbekli Tepe, which provide archaeological evidence of ritual behavior and communal worship. These sites suggest that early humans practiced forms of religion long before the advent of written records, with rituals and beliefs centered around natural forces and communal life.
To sum up, the video posits that humanity's earliest spiritual expressions were likely animistic and shamanistic, evolving over millennia into the organized religions we recognize today. By tracing the development of religious beliefs from ancient civilizations to the present, the video challenges the notion that the Abrahamic religions represent the oldest or most foundational human beliefs. Instead, it highlights the complex and interconnected nature of humanity's spiritual journey, suggesting that much of our religious heritage has been shaped by forgotten or suppressed narratives from the distant past.
These insights invite us to reconsider the origins of religious beliefs and their impact on human history, potentially leading to a profound re-evaluation of the stories that shape our understanding of the world.
5. Ancient Aliens: Biblical Evidence of Lost Pre-Historic Civilization
This clip from History Channel’s Ancient Aliens probes into the provocative theory that ancient advanced civilizations may have existed on Earth long before the dawn of recorded history, only to be erased by catastrophic events. The episode references a groundbreaking 2018 paper by NASA scientist Gavin Schmidt and astrophysicist Adam Frank, which explores the possibility that such civilizations might have existed tens of thousands of years ago, leaving no discernible traces due to the passage of time and natural cataclysms.
The video suggests that if our current civilization were to be wiped out, it would likely vanish from the fossil record within a relatively short geological timeframe. It draws parallels to ancient myths and oral histories from various cultures, which speak of an era where gods and mortals coexisted. Greek mythology, for instance, describes five ages of man, including a Golden Age where humans lived harmoniously with the gods. Similarly, the Aztecs and other cultures have their own versions of deep-time epochs, indicating a belief in recurring cycles of human civilization.
The documentary also highlights references from early Judaic texts, hinting at pre-Adamic civilizations—intelligent, technologically advanced societies that existed before the biblical Adam. These narratives are supported by Enochian literature, which even suggests the use of nuclear technology in these ancient times.
Experts featured in the clip propose that humanity has likely experienced intermittent periods of darkness and enlightenment over millennia, with each advanced civilization eventually being lost to history. The possibility that knowledge from these lost civilizations might have been transmitted to subsequent human societies, potentially through extraterrestrial interactions, is also explored.
By challenging the mainstream archaeological view that the gods were mere figments of our ancestors' imagination, the episode opens up the intriguing possibility that Earth's history includes multiple advanced civilizations that have risen and fallen, their legacies buried beneath the sands of time. This theory aligns with the idea that significant portions of our human narrative remain undiscovered or deliberately suppressed, prompting a re-evaluation of religious and historical foundations.
These perspectives invite us to consider the profound implications of uncovering such ancient truths, potentially reshaping our understanding of human history and the origins of religious beliefs.
Final Thoughts
The hypothesis of lost advanced civilizations offers a compelling lens through which to reassess our understanding of human history and religious beliefs. These videos provide various perspectives and evidence that align with this hypothesis, challenging the conventional narratives that have shaped our worldview.
As an atheist with a humanist and scientific perspective, I believe it's crucial to critically examine these ideas.
The Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—are built upon foundational narratives that have influenced societies for millennia. If evidence of pre-cataclysmic civilizations were to emerge, it would necessitate a reevaluation of these religious tenets. Such discoveries could reveal that these core narratives are based on a selective understanding of an even older, forgotten past.
Humanism, which promotes reason, ethics, and justice, serves as the underlying force that continues to civilize us. By questioning established narratives and exploring alternative viewpoints, we can uncover a more comprehensive and objective truth about our past. This pursuit not only enriches our knowledge but also reinforces the resilience and interconnectedness of human societies throughout history.
The implications of uncovering evidence for lost advanced civilizations are profound. It will reshape our understanding of technological progress, cultural development, and the very nature of human potential. Moreover, it could foster a more inclusive and nuanced view of history, one that acknowledges the contributions of forgotten societies.
Embracing this broader understanding can help us build a more enlightened and humane future. By remaining open to new discoveries and willing to question long-held beliefs, we stand to gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and interconnectedness of the human story. This approach aligns with the principles of humanism and supports the ongoing quest for truth and understanding in our ever-evolving story.
Until next time, stay curious, folks.
Book Recommendations: Exploring the Hypothesis of Lost Advanced Civilizations
The idea that advanced civilizations existed before known history captivates many, challenging conventional narratives and our understanding of human history and religion.
These books go deep down the rabbit hole into this hypothesis, presenting evidence and arguments on lost advanced civilizations, each offering a unique perspective on our forgotten past.
"Fingerprints of the Gods: The Evidence of Earth's Lost Civilization" by Graham Hancock: In this book, Graham Hancock embarks on a global quest to uncover evidence of a sophisticated civilization that predates known history. This book ties into our thesis by presenting compelling arguments and a wealth of archaeological and geological evidence that challenge the traditional timeline of human development. Hancock's exploration of ancient myths, astronomical alignments, and advanced architectural feats supports the idea that humanity's past is far more complex than commonly accepted, resonating with the notion of a forgotten advanced civilization.
"The Orion Mystery: Unlocking the Secrets of the Pyramids" by Robert Bauval and Adrian Gilbert: This book investigates the astronomical alignments of the pyramids of Giza, proposing that ancient Egyptians had advanced knowledge of the stars. This book supports our thesis by suggesting that such sophisticated understanding implies a highly developed society. The connection between the pyramids and Orion's belt highlights the possibility of a shared global civilization with advanced technological and scientific capabilities, further questioning the conventional historical narrative.
"The Message of the Sphinx: A Quest for the Hidden Legacy of Mankind" by Graham Hancock and Robert Bauval: This book explores the mysteries surrounding the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza. This book aligns with our thesis by presenting evidence that these structures are much older than traditionally believed, suggesting they are remnants of an ancient, advanced civilization. The authors' detailed analysis of geological and archaeological data supports the idea that human history includes sophisticated societies that have been forgotten over time.
"Underworld: The Mysterious Origins of Civilization" by Graham Hancock: This book takes readers beneath the oceans to investigate submerged ruins that may belong to ancient civilizations lost to rising sea levels at the end of the last Ice Age. It ties into our thesis by providing evidence of advanced societies that existed before known historical records. Hancock's underwater archaeological discoveries and historical analysis offer a compelling case for the existence of prehistoric civilizations with technological capabilities that challenge our current understanding of human development.
"Cataclysm!: Compelling Evidence of a Cosmic Catastrophe in 9500 B.C." by D.S. Allan and J.B. Delair: In this book, D.S. Allan and J.B. Delair present a theory of a global catastrophe around 9500 B.C. that could have wiped out advanced prehistoric civilizations. This book supports our thesis by compiling geological, mythological, and historical evidence that points to a significant event disrupting human progress. The authors' hypothesis of a cosmic disaster aligns with the idea that advanced societies existed before known history and were lost due to natural cataclysms, challenging the conventional narrative and opening up new possibilities for our understanding of the past.
These books collectively offer a thorough exploration of the hypothesis of lost advanced civilizations, encouraging readers to question established narratives and consider the profound implications of such discoveries on our understanding of human history and religious beliefs.