#854 - Graham Hancock - The Hidden Secrets Of America’s Ancient Apocalypse

At a Glance

• Heart of Democracy - ‘I think that’s the heart of a democracy, it’s the heart of a democratic system, that we should have an open forum for alternative points of view.’ This statement underscores the speaker’s view on the importance of diverse perspectives in a democratic society, defending the public’s right to access a range of information.

• Long Fight - ‘I’ve been locked in a kind of argument with archaeology since the mid-1990s.’ This quote reveals the long-standing tension between the speaker and the traditional archaeological community, illustrating the personal and professional stakes involved.

• Getting The Message Out - ‘I think they have media aspirations themselves. … They see that I’m getting exposure in front of a mass public and they think it should be theirs.’ This statement provides insight into the interpersonal and professional rivalries in academia and media, suggesting that jealousy and competition may influence public debates.

• Indiana Jones - ‘Well, you’ve obviously not seen Raiders of the Lost Ark then.’ This light-hearted reference to a popular movie injects humor into the discussion, momentarily lightening the tone of the otherwise serious conversation about historical and archaeological research.

What to Do

• ‘Do you want to be right or do you want to be loved?’ - This advice highlights the importance of balancing the desire to win arguments with maintaining loving relationships. It suggests that sometimes prioritizing relational harmony over being right can lead to more fulfilling interactions and connections.

• ‘Integrate revelations into your life’ - This advice underscores the significance of not just having insightful experiences or realizations, but also the importance of applying these insights to make actual changes in one’s life. It’s about the transformation that comes from action, not just awareness.

• ‘Document and provide the source for every statement’ - This guidance stresses the importance of accountability and transparency, particularly in situations where your work or words might be scrutinized. By thoroughly documenting sources, one can defend against misinterpretations and criticisms more effectively.

• ‘Approach the past with an open mind’ - This piece of advice is crucial for anyone engaging with historical or archaeological research, suggesting that maintaining an openness to various interpretations can enrich understanding and prevent conflicts rooted in rigid thinking.

• ‘Seek spiritual directions in new ways’ - This advice encourages looking beyond traditional means for spiritual growth and exploring unconventional paths that might provide deeper or more personal spiritual experiences, like engaging with nature or different cultural practices.

What to Get

• Ayahuasca - Used for spiritual experiences and gaining a sense of connection to the universe.

• Terrapreta - An artificially created fertile soil in the Amazon, used for enhancing agricultural productivity.

• The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean by Susan Casey - Amazon - Written by the speaker to document his research on submerged structures, designed to be heavily detailed to defend against academic criticism.

• Fingerprints of the Gods: The Evidence of Earth’s Lost Civilization by Graham Hancock - Amazon

• America Before: The Key to Earth’s Lost Civilization by Graham Hancock - Amazon

• Magicians of the Gods: The Forgotten Wisdom of Earth’s Lost Civilization by Graham Hancock - Amazon

Summary

In this engaging podcast episode, the discussion centers around the contentious field of alternative archaeology, with a particular focus on the experiences and theories of Graham Hancock, a notable figure in this area. Hancock expresses frustration over the constant criticism from mainstream archaeologists, which he feels is often rooted in envy and a desire to maintain academic control rather than genuine scientific inquiry. He shares insights from his personal journey, detailing the defensive nature of his work, especially highlighted in his book “Underworld,” which he wrote to protect against anticipated attacks from mainstream scholars.

Throughout the episode, Hancock discusses his debates and interactions with figures like Flint Dibble and John Hoopes, who he believes are more focused on discrediting alternative viewpoints than contributing positively to historical knowledge. Hancock argues that such attitudes stifle the broader understanding and exploration of human history. He also reflects on a specific debate with Dibble, admitting that while he felt outmatched in debating skills, the encounter exposed what he views as the aggressive gatekeeping tendencies in traditional archaeology.

In a lighter vein, Hancock shares his future plans, which include a collaborative project with Zahi Hawass, a leading Egyptian Egyptologist. Despite past conflicts, the two have reconciled, aiming to merge mainstream and alternative perspectives to enrich the study of ancient Egypt. Hancock’s adventurous spirit is also evident as he discusses potential projects, like a podcast episode at the pyramids of Giza, aiming to capture the magical sunrise aligned with the Sphinx — a testament to his continual quest to uncover the mysteries of ancient civilizations.

The episode not only delves into the controversies and challenges of alternative archaeology but also illuminates Hancock’s enduring commitment to exploring and questioning established historical narratives. His call for a more inclusive and open-minded approach to archaeology underlines the broader theme of the podcast — the importance of diversity in thought and the pursuit of knowledge, even in the face of staunch academic opposition.