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Technology and Change in History #16
Lost Knowledge: The Concept of Vanished Technologies and Other Human Histories
Lost Knowledge: The Concept of Vanished Technologies and Other Human Histories examines the idea of lost knowledge, reaching back to a period between myth and history. It investigates a peculiar idea found in a number of early that there were civilizations with knowledge of sophisticated technologies, and that this knowledge was obscured or destroyed over time along with the civilization that had created it. This book presents critical studies of a series of early Chinese, South Asian, and other texts that look at the idea of specific "lost" technologies, such as mechanical flight and the transmission of images. There is also an examination of why concepts of a vanished "golden age" were prevalent in so many cultures. Offering an engaging and investigative look at the propagation of history and myth in technology and culture, this book is sure to interest historians and readers from many backgrounds.
472 pages, Hardcover
Published March 7, 2019
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January 26, 2021
Immediately denounced Graham Hancock in an effort for himself to be taken more seriously, despite any valid points he may have. It comes off as a bit insecure, but sadly, I get where he's coming from. He doesn't want to be immediately dismissed like Graham was so he's immediately on the defense since they're both interested in the same realm of ancient lost civilizations and technologies. He wants to appear logical and not lumped in with the "woo woo" authors that have been labeled "pseudo-archeologists". He lays it on a bit thick, as if trying to convince you he's cool and not like that geek over there to assert himself at the cool, respectable kids table.
Right away he gives off a cowardice. Even if he were to find evidence _towards_ a specific something that would suggest an ancient lost civilization, I heavily doubt he has it in him to say so. Just to say so is to "risk your career" and be labeled a pseudo-scientist and a ignorant wacko enthusiast. The solution? Say nothing in confidence, continually highlight the "lack of evidence" even though there's enough to warrant further study into the area.
"Certainly, there must be some corruption in
the text, or the passage is simply spinning a fantastic — if mechanically contextualized
— tale." Summarizes his attitude pretty well.
How many years after the complete disintegration of the Titanic will they say the same thing? That it was a fantastic tale meant to convey a moral message and nothing more? Plastics only need 1,000 years to break down and we're talking about a "lack of evidence" of 20,000 year old technologies.
If a cataclysm were to occur, how many years would our broken technologies exist before they waste away? A web that connected the world, the internet, in itself sounds clearly metaphysical. Our technologies are so fragile. It wouldn't take much to forget it had been real after an apocalyptic event. It's really not all that strange.
All that being said he does list out a nice list of story references from around the world on flying machines, magic mirrors and rings and such things and does argue that this all deserves consideration. It's been interesting to go through each one. It gives a lot of study ideas.
Right away he gives off a cowardice. Even if he were to find evidence _towards_ a specific something that would suggest an ancient lost civilization, I heavily doubt he has it in him to say so. Just to say so is to "risk your career" and be labeled a pseudo-scientist and a ignorant wacko enthusiast. The solution? Say nothing in confidence, continually highlight the "lack of evidence" even though there's enough to warrant further study into the area.
"Certainly, there must be some corruption in
the text, or the passage is simply spinning a fantastic — if mechanically contextualized
— tale." Summarizes his attitude pretty well.
How many years after the complete disintegration of the Titanic will they say the same thing? That it was a fantastic tale meant to convey a moral message and nothing more? Plastics only need 1,000 years to break down and we're talking about a "lack of evidence" of 20,000 year old technologies.
If a cataclysm were to occur, how many years would our broken technologies exist before they waste away? A web that connected the world, the internet, in itself sounds clearly metaphysical. Our technologies are so fragile. It wouldn't take much to forget it had been real after an apocalyptic event. It's really not all that strange.
All that being said he does list out a nice list of story references from around the world on flying machines, magic mirrors and rings and such things and does argue that this all deserves consideration. It's been interesting to go through each one. It gives a lot of study ideas.
Displaying 1 of 1 review