Human Devolution: A Vedic Alternative to Darwin's Theory

by Michael A. Cremo

Book Overview

Human Devolution: A Vedic Alternative to Darwin's Theory by Michael A Cremo attempts to answer the question 'where did we come from?', using research taken from the fields of genetics, archaeology, out-of-body experiences, cross-cultural cosmology, parapsychology and reincarnation memories. Using this as evidence, the author attempts to provide a new perspective on the origin of human beings using the ancient philosophies of India. This book is a...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0892133341
• ISBN13: 9780892133345
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: BBT Science
• Length: 554 Pages
• Weight: 2.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.1" x 1.7" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Human Devolution: Best resource material

This book written by Michael Cremo is the best authority on the most mysterious elements of moden society that has hit the market. It lucid examples based on factual information has made it a component worthy of both research and analysis. The presentation is simple and direct. Each element discussed in a manner not biased to any culture or dogma as most would say. Some say it is a propaganda, but as Michael Cremo is an genuine and authoritative figure in the elements he has exposed due to his personal involvement with the Bhaktivedanta Institute, it has made even more a material of science rather than plain exposure. I would recommend it for those who are looking for answers or even just a glimpse of clarification to the world of the unknown. And I mean this with no prejudice to the common notion meant by phony modern propaganda. It is based on interwoven yet totally separatist elements. Each stand for its own explanation, and in the end connected to explain the bigger picture that most of todays people are not open or aware of. It is a step towards the clarification and proof of what the author seeks to achieve in its goals of ultimate human evolution. The transcendence of humanity to purified states of conciousness. The very element that makes us all alive. TO discover it and make it the clarified science that one must adhere to and seek if he so wants to achieve the unforeseen and unexplainable facts of life: Who I am and what I am. Where do I come from and whrom whence I came, who is He that created me ans that is purposeful in this realm adn others I may not perceive?

The masterpiece of modern thought.

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.

"Human Devolution" is a master work.

"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's Evidence for a Dualistic Worldview

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 pr

A thoughtful and extended transcendental discussion

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.