Customer Reviews

Human Devolution: A Vedic Alternative to Darwin's Theory

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I read with great interest the shorter version of "Forbidden
Archaeology," "The Hidden History of the Human Race," and with even
more interest "Forbidden Archaeology's Impact," a large book of
reviews/criticisms of the author's monumental first book along with
Mr. Cremo's counter-countercritisms. I am definitely one of those who
thinks that science has gotten way out of hand when it comes to rejecting
anything beyond the physical. The author is among the leading anti-scientism
voices in the world. "Human Devolution" was written to answer critics who
"demanded" that he be more "scientific" and provide an alternative to
Darwinian evolution, rather than just criticizing it. As he comes from a
Vedic perspective, "Human Devolution" purports to be from that point of view.
The title encapsulates the Eastern belief that to occupy a physical body,
a soul "devolves" into matter; we are not physical-only, soulless beings.

As a reviewer, one has to decide if the author actually presents a
coherent model to counter Darwinian evolution. With regrets I think that
Mr. Cremo does not present such a model, certainly not a scientific model,
with clear data points that lead to clear conclusions, and in fact he
definitely argues for not only a "default" God of the gaps when the
neo-Darwinian and Big Bang models are found wanting, but the "gap approach"
is the main approach to prove the validity of the Vedic model. For example,
on p. 239, after rightfully dismissing a quantum mechanical approach to
consciousness and non-locality, in comes the Vedic model: everything
emanates from God, the "Supersoul" is all knowing, etc. Fine, but too
vague for me, certainly not a detailed model, and I will at least credit
scientists, who for the most part are very conservative and will usually
present good data points.

I can agree with Mr. Cremo that spiritual "models" are given by Divine
revelation, but we must at least admit that they are often quite nebulous,
if not overwhelming. To the point, in the final chapter of the book there
is an all-too brief discussion of some of the time scales in the Vedic
teachings. We learn about the Day/Night of Brahmin (4.32 billion years),
composed of manvantaras and yugas, but little "filling in the gaps." And
the real kicker is in the prior chapter; while presenting a very fine
discussion of the 6 crucial constants in the universe which are so finely
tuned it could not possibly be a matter of chance, we read that the "ultimate"
number of the Vedic model is actually 311 trillion years, the "breath of Maha
Vishnu!" Such numbers make Big Bang cosmology look young, but again I yearn
for more of the details of the reasons for these cycles, also what goes on
in the cosmic Hierarchy, in the physical world(s), during these cycles, rather than
the detachment of incomprehensibly large numbers.

The book would have better been entitled "Forbidden Anthropology and
Suppressed Scientific Research Into The Paranormal." There are staggering
amounts of details on comparative anthropology, particularly as it relates
to common mythologies about a Supreme God, a separate Creator God, and
paranormal beliefs among a wide variety of cultures. This is more or less
presented in conjunction with a topic Cremo covers with great success:
the integrity and open-mindedness of scientists from Newton and Kepler
(Middle Ages) to 19th century pioneers Wallace (co-founder of evolutionary
theory) and Crookes, who either believed in a higher God force behind the
material world, or themselves did extensive research into the paranormal.
The author devotes a lot of pages to Wallace's writings late in his life,
writings you will never see in contemporary scientific discussions.

Yet these details are to me another problem with the book, an
incredible number of pages in a number of sections covering mediums
and seances. Certainly there is some amazing data here, but surely
more effort could have been spent on clarifying the Vedic model than
bringing out yet another seance or medium. As for the discussion on
comparative mythologies, I can only say that at times I found the
details interesting, at other times not, and what is really lacking is
an overall consistency about what is being covered!

A real irony in "Human Devolution" is the author's great ability to
summarize scientific theories and concepts when he so chooses. I am not
that well-versed in genetics, paleontology, and cosmology (to name a
few disciplines!), yet I much enjoyed his discussions in these areas,
but let me be clear, I am not saying he is completely correct either.
Ch. 3 is a good presentation of possible proof that non-human species
(insects and plants) existed long before the Darwinists would allow.
Ch. 4, covering genes and molecular evolution, is clear and interesting,
as is the discussion in Ch. 10 on Sir Martin Rees's "Just Six Numbers,"
mentioned above.

"Human Devolution" has many interesting references, including obscure
though relevant books and articles, and that is to the credit of the author
and his research assistant(s). In the end I would recommend "Human Devolution,"
but be ready to skim!!

As a professor of philosophy, I found merit in the epistemological critique of standard human evolutionary theory offered by Michael A. Cremo and Richard Thompson in "Forbidden Archeology." Chapter fourteen of my own "Origin of the Human Species" discusses at length their thesis that anatomically modern humans predated hominids from which evolutionary theory claims we descended. My own work aims to show that sound natural science and authentic reading of Genesis, including Adam and Eve's reality, are entirely compatible. After consulting with Mr. Cremo while writing my own book, I came to respect his intellectual honesty in proposing a Vedic perspective of human origins. While retaining my own Catholic perspective, I learned that we shared many common elements of metaphysical dualism, especially in rejecting naturalistic evolutionary models of the world and human origins.

In "Human Devolution," Cremo explores multifaceted evidences for spiritual realities permeating our material cosmos. In so doing, he presents careful documentation of both preternatural and supernatural phenomena, including various forms of spiritism, miracles such as those at Lourdes, reincarnation claims, UFO phenomena, intelligent design scientific arguments, and many other evidences of spiritual and paranormal phenomena far too extensive to detail here.

Some might object that not all of his data is equally convincing - that anecdotal evidence ought not be put on the same plane as, say, the carefully documented scientific work of the Lourdes Medical Bureau. Similar comments were made about "Forbidden Archeology." Still, both works appear to present a full range of evidence for the sake of completeness. In any event, the truth claims about spiritual realities ought not be judged by the weakest evidence, but by the strongest. Just as counterfeit money exists only because genuine money first does, so too, the actual existence of the spiritual realm undergirds phantasms of its presence.

"Human Devolution" constitutes a valuable reference work for anyone wishing to examine a detailed overview of the many kinds of evidence supporting a dualistic, spirit-based view of the universe. If nothing else, Human Devolution documents the extreme tenuousness of persistent attempts by modern evolutionary materialists to explain the universe and human origins in purely materialistic terms. Even if our religious perspectives remain distinct, I concur with Cremo in concluding that clear evidence exists that God created the world and that human origins proceed, not upward from materialistic forces, but rather downward from spiritual powers that introduce existential dimensions utterly transcendent to evolutionary explanations.

Nonetheless, as a Catholic philosopher, I do not accept a Vedic interpretation of some of the phenomena reported in "Human Devolution," but rather would offer alternative interpretations more consistent with the exclusivity of Christ's claims. In fact, Cremo so persuasively presents his material that I am obliged to caution that only competent Catholic philosophers and theologians are properly positioned to understand fully how Catholic speculation might explain, among other things, reincarnation claims and apparently genuine healings by non-Catholics.

Still, regardless of one's personal convictions and subsequent interpretations, "Human Devolution's" fascinating accounts and detailed documentation of some of the most intriguing human experiences, amazing historical occurrences, and important scientific speculations should make thought-provoking reading to a wide audience

"I enjoyed M.Cremo's book. It is a master work. 'Human Devolution' exposes the fatal weaknesses in Darwinism and relates the tradition doctrine in a most compelling and attractive way. This book deserves to be widely known. It is a firm corrective to modern errors and a guide to new standard in thinking."
John Michell, the author of "The New View over Atlantis", "New Light on the Ancient Mystery of Glastonbury", "The Temple at Jerusalem: A Revelation".

Human Devolution: A Vedic Alternative To Darwin's Theory by archaeologist Michael A. Cremo (Research Associate of the Bhaktivedanta Institute) responds to Darwinian evolutionary theory concerning human beings with the counter-proposal "We did not evolve up from matter; instead we devolved, or came down, from the realm of pure consciousness, spirit." Contemplating the nature of a human being as much more than the synthesis of mere physical elements, but rather a melding of matter, mind, and spirit, Human Devolution is a thoughtful and extended transcendental discussion of who and what we really are -- and a welcome, iconoclastic, and thought-provoking contribution to Metaphysical Studies and Anthropology Studies reading lists.

Mr.Cremo's book is truly enlightening one. It is indeed very well-written. It furhter exposes the flaws of the current gross materialistic consensus view of the reality. It raises the question of our true origins, the question any intelligent human being ought to ask oneself. In his book Mr.Cremo shows us our place in the universe, our relation to other sentient beings in the cosmos who have been the co-creators of life. It is indeed the masterpiece of modern thought. It is a must read for any thinking, educated man.

I bought a copy of this book when it came out and have managed to muster the patience to go through it one lone time. Whilst I appreciate Michael Cremo's efforts to try to get people to open their minds to ideas and concepts beyond what mainstream academia teaches, since the mark of genuine truth-seekers lies in their valuing valid, useful information irrespective of source, I was rather disappointed by this particular work. It is supposed to represent a Vedic alternative to Darwinism, but contains hardly ten pages mentioning what India's classical Sanskrit writings have to say about the origins of life. For me, that can only mean that Cremo relied exclusively on his guru Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's works, to formulate his thesis, which is rather absurd, since most of the latter's writings concern the dynamics of Vaishnava devotional practice, not the Vedic view of the origin of the universe nor the appearance of biological entities. This to me demonstrates a questionable level of commitment to the task, since the author either lacked the linguistic wherewithal to carry out his own research or else simply did not bother to explore a sufficiently large number of available translations of different Sanskrit texts, which would have afforded him greater insight and more material to use.

There are some rather good points made and interesting questions raised in Human Devolution, but to be frank, on the whole, I found it quite an insipid and boring read. A long, almost unending chapter gets devoted to comparing cosmological systems (those of Native Americans, Africans and Polynesians amongst others) and as one reaches the concluding portion of the book, which incidentally includes the ten-odd pages devoted to the Hindu version of Genesis, to use a colourful phrase, one is left panting after having had to endure such a tedious ordeal. In short, a well-intended but unsuccessful attempt at deconstructing prevailing paradigms and inspire more respect for the ancient Indian scriptures.

The works of the late Bhaktiswarupa Damodara Maharaja (T.D. Singh) and his team in consciousness studies as well as those of Sadaputa dasa (Richard L. Thompson) in Puranic cosmology and the relation between the known laws of physics and the Hindu conception of yogic mysticism, etc are substantially more convincing and scholarly. Not all of the propositions made in these studies need to be swallowed in toto but the efforts thereof are undeniably thought-provoking. If one wishes to become acquainted with scientific presentations of how some Vedic ideas can be made sense of in light of a scientific understanding of nature, I would much rather suggest Thompson's books like MAYA: The World As Virtual Reality or God and Science: Divine Causation and the Laws of Nature.

One final word on this - in the final issue, it matters not, at least from a purely metaphysical standpoint, how the human form of life, or any other form of life for that matter, came about, or which of creation or evolution is the more empirically veridical. After all is said and done, mystically-inclined people are, for the major part, agreeable to the nigh-universally accepted principle, at least in certain quarters, that living entities are first and foremost sparks of spiritual energy, i.e. souls, and that this is what motivates the spiritual pursuit in the first instance. The clever thing to do, it would thus seem, would be to effectively recognise and draw helpful knowledge, whether emanating from religion or science, to subsequently utilise any ensuing wisdom in the most effective mode one is capable of in order to live life as a balanced, well-rounded individual, and seek to acquire the qualities which are deemed favourable to progress on the path that allegedly leads to truth absolute.

_Human Devolution: A Vedic Alternative to Darwin's Theory_ (2003, Torchlight) by Michael A. Cremo is a follow up volume to _Forbidden Archaeology_ (1995) which attempts to offer an alternative to Darwin's theory based upon an understanding of the Vedas through an amassing of anomalous evidence. This book takes off from the position left in _Forbidden Archaeology_, co-authored with Richard L. Thompson, in which anomalous evidence was presented in an effort to argue that human history extends into a far more ancient past than conventionally understood. This book continues with various issues concerning archaeology and the role of anomalous evidence in that field as well as considering the role of paranormal investigations in arguing for the supernatural. The author considers in particular the supernatural beliefs of Alfred Russell Wallace a co-discoverer of the theory of evolution along with Charles Darwin. The author also examines various instances of UFO phenomena and miraculous healings as well as various other articles of anomalous experience. Finally, the author argues for a worldview based on the Vedas in line with the Bhaktivedanta Institute. While much in this book can be challenged, I felt that much of the evidence presented proves difficult to ignore. The question of anomalous evidence remains a difficult one especially in light of the findings presented in this book.

The book includes the following chapters-

Introduction - lays out the evidence as presented in _Human Devolution_ and considers some of the academic reaction to this book. Presents evidence against Darwin's theory and relates some of the reaction to this including positive reaction. Explains the role of the conscious self and provides evidence for the existence of a conscious self in the philosophy of mind. Considers evidence for the paranormal including the work of scientists such as Alfred Russell Wallace and Marie Curie. Considers other forms of anomalous evidence including the role of UFO phenomena and miraculous healings.

Ascended Apes or Fallen Angels? - examines some of the controversy that originally surrounded Darwin's evolutionary account including the role of T. H. Huxley and Wilberforce and noting Huxley's triumph and the acceptance of the Darwinian account. Notes the role of Disraeli on the side of the "angels" explaining his remarks on this controversy. Provides evidence for altered states of consciousness including comments from the Vedic tradition.

Forbidden Archaeology: The Hidden History of the Human Race - provides examples of problems with the current theory and lays out the case for a more ancient human history than previously accepted. Considers various examples of anomalous evidence as presented in the first book including evidence for culture in distant ages and evidence from extremely old fossils. Further considers the controversy brought about by these issues and examines the reaction of mainstream science.

The Extreme Antiquity of Nonhuman Species - provides evidence for the extreme antiquity of nonhuman species including fossil evidence and relates various issues surrounding the controversy. Considers cases of plant and animal life and asks the question - What is the history of other living things on earth.

Genes, Design, and Designer - considers the case of genetic evidence noting the role of DNA and explaining how DNA came to be discovered. Examines the issue of the beginning of life, the question concerning natural selection and whether or not natural selection is capable of accounting for the beginning of life, examines further issues from genetics and considers evidence for design as opposed to chance noting the role of species relatedness.

Beyond Stones and Bones: Alfred R. Wallace and the Spirit World - examines the case of Alfred Russell Wallace, co-discoverer of the theory of evolution, and notes his progression into spiritualistic beliefs. Explains Wallace's belief in the supernatural, his travels and discoveries, the issues of mesmerism, and his taking part in various séances which he attempted to study and understand. Explains the role of mediums visited by Wallace, the nature of the miracles at Lourdes, Wallace's refutation of David Hume on miracles, and the scientific reception of Wallace's ideas as opposed to those of Darwin.

What Is a Human Being? Matter, Mind, and Consciousness - considers the issues raised by the controversy between Wallace and Darwin. Provides evidence for the existence of mind, including evidence raised by mesmerism and the role of Bhaktivedanta and the Society for Psychical Research. Provides a plethora of cases of famous scientists who were involved in research into psychical phenomena including William F. Barrett, F. W. H. Myers, Sir William Crookes, William James, Lord Rayleigh, Pierre and Marie Curie, Camille Flammarion, Cesare Lombroso, Charles Richet, Margaret Mead, John G. Taylor, and astronaut Edgar Mitchell. Provides evidence from modern psychical research including the issues of remote viewing, the Ganzfield experiments, psychokinesis, and other issues. Provides evidence for a conscious self that can exist apart from the mind and the body including evidence from William James and his experiments, out-of-body experience, near death experiences, the issue of re-incarntion and fetal memories, and various other modern issues.

The Cosmic Hierarchy: A Cross-Cultural Study - considers various cosmologies and the cosmic hierarachy from various ancient traditions. Examines the cosmologies of Western thinkers and philosophers, mystical European medieval cosmologies, non-Western cosmologies including those of China, Japan, Korea, various Indian cosmologies, the Ojibwa cosmologies, the cosmologies of the natives of Australia, Easter Island, the Zulus of Africa, the Incas, and various other ancient cosmologies. Explains the contrast between materialist and mystical cosmologies and relates this to the idea of human devolution in Vedic cosmologies.

Apparitions, Angels, and Aliens - considers various anomalous evidence including evidence for the supernatural. Notes the role of communications from departed humans, possession by departed humans, apparitions of departed humans, superhuman personalites including demonic possession, Marian apparitions, evidence from the Bible and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu from the Vedic tradition, the Search for Extra-terrestrial Intelligence, the phenomena of UFOs, the case of alien abductions and sightings, and various paranormal encounters with aliens.

Paranormal Production and Modification of Biological Form - considers cases of paranormal healing, cellular regeneration in the laboratory, faith healers, stigmatics, the issues raised by the miracles at Lourdes, and other cases of various supernatural healings, reincarnation, and alterations of the human form.

A Universe Designed for Life - considers issues raised in cosmology including the role of the Anthropic principle and the argument that the universe must be designed just right for life. Considers the fine tuning of the universe and various cosmological constants which must be set just right for the existence of life on earth. Provides evidence from the Big Bang model for a Creator.

Human Devolution: A Vedic Account - provides evidence for human devolution as opposed to the evolutionary account in line with the Vedas. Notes the role of the Bhaktivedanta Institute and evidence for cosmic cycles in the yugas. Concludes with evidence for the existence of God and a Vedic worldview that they maintain follows from this.

This book offers various interesting proposals for understanding the universe and human history from a Vedic perspective. The author argues for anomalous evidence in his case to make the case for human devolution, a much earlier history to humanity than previously considered, and a Vedic worldview.

This is a very long book obliged to tour through the authors own works and most of Western metaphysics and countless other cultural belief systems. The author presents the material in detail and in a scholarly fashion. The problem is, most of what is in the book has nothing directly to do with the supposed subject of the book. And that feels very misrepresented and misleading.

There is sparse information here about the supposed Vedic alternative to Darwin. In fact slogging through this, beyond an occasional crumb from the Vedas, it is not until the very last chapter, 11, that you get to a chapter that supposedly deals with the theory. But even there you have the Vedas jumbled up with standard quantum theory, big bang, and the entire lot.

So I have to state that the title is misleading. No doubt the author knows in his own mind the subject of which he supposedly was going to talk about. However he did not do the reader justice by sharing this information in any kind of clear and concise manner. A definate pass. Suggest you stay with the authors other exhaustive work if you are looking for evidence which provides fact after fact that modern archeology is largely built on hidden truths and outright lies Forbidden Archeology: The Hidden History of the Human Race

Wow, I was disappointed with this work.Nearly 500 hundred pages and the highly anticipatory title is barely discussed.The book is mostly a historical account of events , experiments and works by others quoted to lead up to the big moment of truth-the problem is that it just never seems to get to the point.It felt like a very transparent attempt to justify an opinion of the authers, with the events quoted mostly happening in the 18 somethings.If this is the evedence the argument is very thin.I got bored and this so whilst I am mostly in agreement with an alternative to neo Darwinism and the often arogance and prejedice displayed by mainstream "science" in always sidelining the non comformists.I have read better in similar works with similar arguments and was disappointed that when you finally get to the crux a somewhat clumsy referal to the auther's guru, spoken of in absolute admiration, spoilt the moment.Both mainstream scientists as well as the relogious folk often only see only that what they believe(mostly second hand truths) and whereas I dont have a problem with others beliefs same should be based on their own experience rather than blindly following others'.Here I got the impression that the authers got the belief and were now trying to find the "proof". The only reason I give it a two is because the concept is interesting and had it been differently presented probably desrving of a five. Not a great read or science I am Afraid.

the pitiful arguments carrying on to this day arguing wither or not man evolved from monkey/ape is.... well, Pathetic. this is 2010, not 1010 A.D.
In this work we are shown the true (or more truthful)account of what happened to us not merely on an earthy scale but a cosmic one as many of the ancient texts from all over the earth reveal. No one else in this field of work, has even come close to this level of dedication painstakingly gathering the hard-to find factoids reveling greater truth about the ancient-ness of the human story.
It is an abomination to the whole intelligentsia of the human species to veer away from something so obvious, something so right in our faces, to assume we emerged a mere 6000/8000 b.c. years ago on the scene, when point of fact excavations in Africa particularity South Africa, show physical evidence of stone temple constructs dated at 50,000-200,000 years ago.

Submerged in the ground. the depths of Yonaguni, Japan 13,000/12,000 year range, the submerged bridge of Sri Lanka connecting to India 25,000 years old (at least as reported) (halfway seen underwater) and this is not even scratching the surface.This is only a few locals mind you, why do we not hear of such things in the news? well it should be painfully obvious, those who want to control the flow of our natural history have vested interests, agenda's "Religion" is number one) Primarily as this also dove tails the ancient astronaut hypothesis Monuments of mars, the moon, artifacts, Atlantis-MU etc..

other books that accommodate this one, (there are far more that could be named but I'll keep it brief)
"Mankind: Child Of The Stars"
Also a work ahead of it's time, breaking the Darwinian primitive myth factory.
America B. C. - Ancient Settlers in the New World
"Graham Handcock: Underworld" with Physical proof [evidence] of the antiquity of human-kind.
The Cosmic War: Interplanetary Warfare, Modern Physics and Ancient Texts
God, Genes, and Consciousness: Nonhuman Intervention in Human History
Atlantis, Alien Visitation, and Genetic Manipulation
Genes, Giants, Monsters, and Men: The Surviving Elites of the Cosmic War and Their Hidden Agenda[[ASIN:0945497709
From the Ashes of Angels: The Forbidden Legacy of a Fallen Race[
[ASIN:1564148424 Discovering the Mysteries of Ancient America: Lost History and Legends, Unearthed and Explored]]
Temples of the African Gods
Forbidden Archeology: The Hidden History of the Human Race
The gods of Eden: A new look at human historyFlying Serpents and Dragons: The Story of Mankind's Reptilian Past
Lemurian Scrolls: Angelic Prophecies Revealing Human Origins

Advanced Civilizations of Prehistoric America: The Lost Kingdoms of the Adena, Hopewell, Mississippians, and Anasazi

The Lost Civilization of Lemuria: The Rise and Fall of the World's Oldest Culture

"Adam's Calendar": Michael Tellanger:
man has only been around 6000 years? SURE he has!

The book itself is not simply just bringing up "how old something is, take that academia" but penetrates a construct of perception pertaining to the non-local aspects of Human Consciousness..... did we in fact fall from a higher state? as postulated by the Author, or did we emerge from a primordial goo to become monkeys?(LOL)

Sorry, but it's just too easy to find humor in this whole idea one is truly swinging from the trees if they believe this, this notion (view) denigrates us and what we truly are..... Light beings of the heavens encapsulated in a shell for earthly experience) perhaps preparing for what is to come, or to remind us of what was once past,(lost) in effect telling us where we came from, and what we truly were/are. it (the book) is long, can be a little tedious, but stay with it and you will be rewarded, and can be overtly archaeologically-centric by this i mean speaking of things that may take your interest away from the more spiritual based material but nothing to mull over, important to understand it is not merely one topic spoken of, but more of an amalgamation of varied research, and views something that is far and above "conventional wisdom" i.e. Status Quo thinking. P.S. Open Mind required. (Good-info Read) 4 stars.