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The Gods Never Left Us: The Long Awaited Sequel to the Worldwide Best-seller Chariots of the Gods
When Chariots of the Gods was published 50 years ago, it began a worldwide change in humanity’s view of the cosmos. In an era of the military space race, Erich von Däniken boldly proclaimed that Earth had been visited by more advanced beings early in our history. But prescientific man had no concept of space ships, so he called their vehicles “chariots,” and those driving the chariots became “gods.”
Over the next five decades, von Däniken’s more than 40 books built an ever-stronger case for Earth being visited by extraterrestrial visitors. And Chariots became an international best seller, with 30 million copies sold in more than two dozen languages. Also during that time, the case for ET visitations millennia ago was being reexamined by contemporary UFO researchers, who found evidence of modern visitations. And von Däniken expanded his perspective to encompass the present.
Now, he presents his long-awaited sequel to Chariots of the Gods, proclaiming that the gods never left us with all-new material to show that ancient aliens are still with us.
The Gods Never Left Us contends that recent advancements in biotechnology, astrophysics, engineering, and artificial intelligence not only give us a fresh perspective on his ancient astronaut theory but actually validates it. We are—as a race—embarking on the exact same trajectory of our own interplanetary colonization, just as von Däniken suggested Earth itself was colonized.
ETs are definitely at work today. And that affects all of us.
Why do they do what they do? What could an extraterrestrial species possibly gain from observing us in the same way we look at ants? What have these strangers wanted for the past thousands of years? Can’t they leave us alone? And what makes it so difficult for us to acknowledge the existence of these extraterrestrials?That is what this book deals with.
"Erich's newest book is a fascination journey from the ancient past into the present with a plethora of scientific evidence and documented research. As always, he ads his own "to the point" take on it all. Readers may also like that his newest work moves in a slightly different direction from his past books. A thoroughly enlightening and enjoyable Read." —Bruce Cunningham, Director, Ancient Mysteries International LLC & Publisher of Advanced Archaeology Review magazine
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2017
208 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
About the author
Erich von Däniken
327 books899 followersGreek: Έριχ φον Νταίνικεν
Erich Anton Paul von Däniken (1935–2026) was a Swiss author of several pseudoscientific books which made claims about extraterrestrial influences on early human culture, including the best-selling Chariots of the Gods?, published in 1968. Däniken was one of the main figures responsible for popularizing the "paleo-contact" and ancient astronauts hypotheses.
The ideas put forth in his books are rejected by virtually all scientists and academics, who categorize his work as pseudohistory, pseudoarchaeology, and pseudoscience. Early in his career, he was convicted and served time for several counts of fraud or embezzlement, and wrote one of his books in prison.
Erich Anton Paul von Däniken (1935–2026) was a Swiss author of several pseudoscientific books which made claims about extraterrestrial influences on early human culture, including the best-selling Chariots of the Gods?, published in 1968. Däniken was one of the main figures responsible for popularizing the "paleo-contact" and ancient astronauts hypotheses.
The ideas put forth in his books are rejected by virtually all scientists and academics, who categorize his work as pseudohistory, pseudoarchaeology, and pseudoscience. Early in his career, he was convicted and served time for several counts of fraud or embezzlement, and wrote one of his books in prison.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 29, 2018
Ancient Aliens is so fun to watch if you just abandon logic and archaeological science and go whole hog with a "Lol why not?!" attitude. Truly, do any of the big questions of life even matter? What difference does it make where we came from or what Nazca lines are? It's amusing to come up with explanations and hypotheses, but ultimately, hypotheses are all that we will ever get to "know" in our puny, human life spans.
Erich von Daniken has gone hella whole hog in The Gods Never Left Us and just states all of his ancient astronaut theories as facts. He says that there are people who can absolutely verify these statements as facts. The popes know that aliens are real- they just can't tell us because humanity's collective hive mind would explode with worthlessness. Religions would collapse, world powers would crumble, etc. He then goes on to explain how many religious myths and mythical creatures are in fact factual representations of the existence of extraterrestrial visitors.
I'm fine with suggesting that it's possible that pyramids were built by aliens or that depictions of spacecraft in pictographs are based on things ancient people actually witnessed. von Daniken takes it too far when he says that centaurs were the result of aliens messing with human and animal breeding to create these hybrids. Like... can't a myth just be a myth? He even interprets various biblical and other religious stories as legitimate true historical events, and I just can't go there.
It's easier for me to enjoy these theories as presented on Ancient Aliens. This book comes across as an infodump of "fake news" and it's hard to take the claims seriously when they're just spewed without much solid evidence aside from papal and military hearsay. This made me understand more how people just blindly accept what Donald Trump says as fact, and then I felt uncomfortable for even kind of entertaining "Ancient Astronaut Theory." I prefer having the stories explained with visual aids and cheesy music/graphics to make them more whimsical and "what if?" in nature.
Erich von Daniken has gone hella whole hog in The Gods Never Left Us and just states all of his ancient astronaut theories as facts. He says that there are people who can absolutely verify these statements as facts. The popes know that aliens are real- they just can't tell us because humanity's collective hive mind would explode with worthlessness. Religions would collapse, world powers would crumble, etc. He then goes on to explain how many religious myths and mythical creatures are in fact factual representations of the existence of extraterrestrial visitors.
I'm fine with suggesting that it's possible that pyramids were built by aliens or that depictions of spacecraft in pictographs are based on things ancient people actually witnessed. von Daniken takes it too far when he says that centaurs were the result of aliens messing with human and animal breeding to create these hybrids. Like... can't a myth just be a myth? He even interprets various biblical and other religious stories as legitimate true historical events, and I just can't go there.
It's easier for me to enjoy these theories as presented on Ancient Aliens. This book comes across as an infodump of "fake news" and it's hard to take the claims seriously when they're just spewed without much solid evidence aside from papal and military hearsay. This made me understand more how people just blindly accept what Donald Trump says as fact, and then I felt uncomfortable for even kind of entertaining "Ancient Astronaut Theory." I prefer having the stories explained with visual aids and cheesy music/graphics to make them more whimsical and "what if?" in nature.
February 11, 2018
In his 1968 book, Chariots of the Gods?, von Daniken routinely reminded us about the question mark at the end of the title. Why? Because he wanted to play the “I’m just asking questions” safety. It’s used when someone doesn’t really know, thinks they know, tells you things they think are true, but can get out of looking foolish if they turn out to be wrong.
Was god an astronaut? Were the Nazca Lines landing strips for extra-terrestrial spaceships? Were the pyramids at Giza built by aliens? Etc. When von Daniken asks such questions he’s really saying what he thinks but just in case he’s wrong, the question mark saves him. Sort of. Because as far as I’m aware, he’s never retracted any of his claims that have shown to be in error. Which is pretty much everything he’s ever offered as proof.
I admit, the Ancient Astronaut Theory is my absolute favorite pseudo-scientific theory. Why? Because there’s always a chance it is true. Ever so slight. Ever so elusive. But the “evidence” von Daniken presents, and those who’ve followed him, have yet to make the case. Everything in von Daniken’s work(s) have been explained better by experts in their relevant fields without the need of aliens in the equation. But here we are.
Fifty-years on, von Daniken releases what is called a “follow up”, a “sequel” to Chariots of the Gods? The present volume, “The Gods Never Left Us” isn’t a follow up. Because von Daniken released literally nineteen books that followed up Chariots before getting to “Never Left Us”. And all of them rinse and repeat what Chariots said way back in 1968 with a little new sprinkled here and there. “Never Left Us” assumes you’ve read them. And then rehashes what’s already been said and...
This was a very difficult read. It’s more of a brainstorming session. Von Daniken jumps from one subject to the next, as if rambling, scrambling to get every thought on to the page. And boy are there questions. It’s as if he’s doubling down on the question mark at the end of Chariots. You would think that after fifty years of writing, he’d be better at it. Or at least have an good editor.
But setting aside the style of writing (or what became a poor translation into English), the “evidence” in this volume is a nothing-burger.
“Never Left Us” begins with a fictional story to make his point. It’s a clever device used to communicate an idea or theory. Except the theory is more an unfounded hypothesis. What he should have done was offered his best case to prove his theory fifty-years on. Instead, he assumes he’s made his case already and can now discuss it in a factional setting as if this will clarify things.
Von Daniken jumps to Fatima, UFOs, and a question of who the extra-terrestrials would be contacting. It’s a mess. It’s a brainstorm. It’s not even a first draft. It’s a scrap book of thoughts until the next chapter.
Von Daniken simply does not understand evolution. I think my eyebrows were raised to permanent full staff the entirety of chapter two where he tries to show it isn’t a complete theory but needs some “other” to fill the gaps. You gotta read this for yourself. He uses the god-of-the-gaps (or shall I say, “alien-in-the-gaps) when he doesn’t know something. How did that little beetle get the acidic defense mechanism? I don’t know; therefore, something greater than natural selection must be the cause. Sigh. And while he’s trying to convince us extra-terrestrials are responsible for meddling with human ancestor DNA to make homo-sapiens, he uses Michael Cremo and Richard Thompson’s work in Forbidden Archaeology to claim human beings could be millions of years old. Well which is it? Homo-sapiens have been here since forever, living along with the ape-like creatures and dinosaurs? Or were they the product of alien meddling with the ape-like creatures that came before?
Von Daniken questions whether hybrid mythological creatures like the centaur, Minotaur, etc weren’t possibly alien manipulations, cross breeding species. He does it without the thought of how silly this really is. We can barely conduct an organ transplant from the same species without worrying about rejection. Try splicing dogs or horses with humans. In the case of a centaur, literally. Good luck. And why would an alien race even try this?
But this is the crux. Von Daniken seems to think every myth and legend has something of a historical fact behind it. And the next chapter is completely dedicated to throwing every one of them against the wall and expecting them to stick.
We’re treated to page after page of bits of mythology, spliced out from their context. A salad is made from every instance in myth and legend where claims of gods and/or teachers came from the sky. Whether they were in vehicles or just descended by themselves, von Daniken throws every instance in. As if tons of anecdotal information is fact. It’s as if he cannot think of any other explanation for these stories.
His thinking can be viewed by one particular section. Shortly after he tells the story in Exodus 19:18 (which is impressive because this time, he seems to have actually consulted Exodus), which is the story of god descending on Mount Sinai in smoke, he notes how some scholars have tried to pass this off as a “tropical storm or volcanic eruption”. He isn’t buying it because the god who lands gives instructions. Von Daniken says, “All previous attempts at an explanation, no matter how clever and profound the intention, are on a hiding to nothing. The facts should determine our insight – not religion or psychological wishful thinking.” What he’s saying, is that he believes these tales are not productions of imagination. They are real historical events. But no other explanation will do than the ET hypothesis. Von Daniken never entertains the possibility that none of this is historical. But most damning, is he never entertains the other stories of gods and heros that are not in the sky. There are plenty of myths that tell tales of gods who came from within the earth, or live in the sea, or simply appeared after meditation. Not every god came from the sky. But those stories are not convenient for the Ancient Astronaut Theory. So they are not addressed by von Daniken.
It’s really kind of amazing. An interesting case for Ancient Astronauts that even Carl Sagan entertained was the story told by Berossus of Babylon. He told the story of Oannes who was half fish and came from the sea to instruct man. Von Daniken doesn’t mention it at all in this book. He sort of can’t if he’s making a case for ET gods from the sky.
A common theme in stories worldwide does not necessarily mean a historical event took place. Let’s examine briefly another worldwide myth. That of the world flood. There is zero, no evidence of a worldwide flood. Geologists have confirmed this. But every culture on earth has a worldwide flood myth. So, too, if every culture has a myth of sky gods, doesn’t make them true.
And what of the different forms of gods? Snakes, eagles, horse, crabs, human-like. Are we to assume numerous ET species were coming here? That’s even more improbable. Imagine what it would take for one alien race to notice this planets and travel here. Now imagine dozens of different species being so lucky. It’s so improbable as to be unthinkable. And as noted, all resemble terrestrial earth creatures. Unless we’re willing to claim ET evolution developed exactly like on earth, complete with the same creatures and numerous ones took to space travel. Preposterous.
Despite my reservations, as I’ve already said, the Ancient Astronaut Theory could be true. It’s always possible. The problem is that if it is true, it’s lost to history and cannot be confirmed. We need more than anecdotal evidence to build a theory. Where’s the satellites they left behind? Or things like the buggy we left behind on the moon? Or literally anything at all that would be needed to support an expedition to earth, with the time to meddle with human DNA and teach them to build a civilization? While interesting and entertaining, the theory fails on myth alone. Von Daniken needs more and twenty books later, has yet to produce it.
The final chapter begins with questioning the validity of man-made climate change and then abruptly turns to discussing…gender? The concept that a biological male can psychologically identify as a female and vice versa. He makes it clear he doesn’t think this is a real phenomenon. He then abruptly goes into conspiracy-land, considering journalism dead. Of course he would, they’re not reporting favorably (or at all) on his grand idea. Then on to a quick overview of artificial intelligence and then a quick jump to how people are different and to how...I can believe I read this, how the ET is dependent on OUR diversity. And then to Gobekli Tepe and the possibility of ET drones circling the earth and so much more that doesn’t seem to have anything at all to do with proving his theory.
Fifty-years on, and von Daniken has yet to make his case. The Gods Never Left Us should have been a presentation of his best of the best for the Ancient Astronaut Theory. Instead he gave us what was left in his scrap book.
Was god an astronaut? Were the Nazca Lines landing strips for extra-terrestrial spaceships? Were the pyramids at Giza built by aliens? Etc. When von Daniken asks such questions he’s really saying what he thinks but just in case he’s wrong, the question mark saves him. Sort of. Because as far as I’m aware, he’s never retracted any of his claims that have shown to be in error. Which is pretty much everything he’s ever offered as proof.
I admit, the Ancient Astronaut Theory is my absolute favorite pseudo-scientific theory. Why? Because there’s always a chance it is true. Ever so slight. Ever so elusive. But the “evidence” von Daniken presents, and those who’ve followed him, have yet to make the case. Everything in von Daniken’s work(s) have been explained better by experts in their relevant fields without the need of aliens in the equation. But here we are.
Fifty-years on, von Daniken releases what is called a “follow up”, a “sequel” to Chariots of the Gods? The present volume, “The Gods Never Left Us” isn’t a follow up. Because von Daniken released literally nineteen books that followed up Chariots before getting to “Never Left Us”. And all of them rinse and repeat what Chariots said way back in 1968 with a little new sprinkled here and there. “Never Left Us” assumes you’ve read them. And then rehashes what’s already been said and...
This was a very difficult read. It’s more of a brainstorming session. Von Daniken jumps from one subject to the next, as if rambling, scrambling to get every thought on to the page. And boy are there questions. It’s as if he’s doubling down on the question mark at the end of Chariots. You would think that after fifty years of writing, he’d be better at it. Or at least have an good editor.
But setting aside the style of writing (or what became a poor translation into English), the “evidence” in this volume is a nothing-burger.
“Never Left Us” begins with a fictional story to make his point. It’s a clever device used to communicate an idea or theory. Except the theory is more an unfounded hypothesis. What he should have done was offered his best case to prove his theory fifty-years on. Instead, he assumes he’s made his case already and can now discuss it in a factional setting as if this will clarify things.
Von Daniken jumps to Fatima, UFOs, and a question of who the extra-terrestrials would be contacting. It’s a mess. It’s a brainstorm. It’s not even a first draft. It’s a scrap book of thoughts until the next chapter.
Von Daniken simply does not understand evolution. I think my eyebrows were raised to permanent full staff the entirety of chapter two where he tries to show it isn’t a complete theory but needs some “other” to fill the gaps. You gotta read this for yourself. He uses the god-of-the-gaps (or shall I say, “alien-in-the-gaps) when he doesn’t know something. How did that little beetle get the acidic defense mechanism? I don’t know; therefore, something greater than natural selection must be the cause. Sigh. And while he’s trying to convince us extra-terrestrials are responsible for meddling with human ancestor DNA to make homo-sapiens, he uses Michael Cremo and Richard Thompson’s work in Forbidden Archaeology to claim human beings could be millions of years old. Well which is it? Homo-sapiens have been here since forever, living along with the ape-like creatures and dinosaurs? Or were they the product of alien meddling with the ape-like creatures that came before?
Von Daniken questions whether hybrid mythological creatures like the centaur, Minotaur, etc weren’t possibly alien manipulations, cross breeding species. He does it without the thought of how silly this really is. We can barely conduct an organ transplant from the same species without worrying about rejection. Try splicing dogs or horses with humans. In the case of a centaur, literally. Good luck. And why would an alien race even try this?
But this is the crux. Von Daniken seems to think every myth and legend has something of a historical fact behind it. And the next chapter is completely dedicated to throwing every one of them against the wall and expecting them to stick.
We’re treated to page after page of bits of mythology, spliced out from their context. A salad is made from every instance in myth and legend where claims of gods and/or teachers came from the sky. Whether they were in vehicles or just descended by themselves, von Daniken throws every instance in. As if tons of anecdotal information is fact. It’s as if he cannot think of any other explanation for these stories.
His thinking can be viewed by one particular section. Shortly after he tells the story in Exodus 19:18 (which is impressive because this time, he seems to have actually consulted Exodus), which is the story of god descending on Mount Sinai in smoke, he notes how some scholars have tried to pass this off as a “tropical storm or volcanic eruption”. He isn’t buying it because the god who lands gives instructions. Von Daniken says, “All previous attempts at an explanation, no matter how clever and profound the intention, are on a hiding to nothing. The facts should determine our insight – not religion or psychological wishful thinking.” What he’s saying, is that he believes these tales are not productions of imagination. They are real historical events. But no other explanation will do than the ET hypothesis. Von Daniken never entertains the possibility that none of this is historical. But most damning, is he never entertains the other stories of gods and heros that are not in the sky. There are plenty of myths that tell tales of gods who came from within the earth, or live in the sea, or simply appeared after meditation. Not every god came from the sky. But those stories are not convenient for the Ancient Astronaut Theory. So they are not addressed by von Daniken.
It’s really kind of amazing. An interesting case for Ancient Astronauts that even Carl Sagan entertained was the story told by Berossus of Babylon. He told the story of Oannes who was half fish and came from the sea to instruct man. Von Daniken doesn’t mention it at all in this book. He sort of can’t if he’s making a case for ET gods from the sky.
A common theme in stories worldwide does not necessarily mean a historical event took place. Let’s examine briefly another worldwide myth. That of the world flood. There is zero, no evidence of a worldwide flood. Geologists have confirmed this. But every culture on earth has a worldwide flood myth. So, too, if every culture has a myth of sky gods, doesn’t make them true.
And what of the different forms of gods? Snakes, eagles, horse, crabs, human-like. Are we to assume numerous ET species were coming here? That’s even more improbable. Imagine what it would take for one alien race to notice this planets and travel here. Now imagine dozens of different species being so lucky. It’s so improbable as to be unthinkable. And as noted, all resemble terrestrial earth creatures. Unless we’re willing to claim ET evolution developed exactly like on earth, complete with the same creatures and numerous ones took to space travel. Preposterous.
Despite my reservations, as I’ve already said, the Ancient Astronaut Theory could be true. It’s always possible. The problem is that if it is true, it’s lost to history and cannot be confirmed. We need more than anecdotal evidence to build a theory. Where’s the satellites they left behind? Or things like the buggy we left behind on the moon? Or literally anything at all that would be needed to support an expedition to earth, with the time to meddle with human DNA and teach them to build a civilization? While interesting and entertaining, the theory fails on myth alone. Von Daniken needs more and twenty books later, has yet to produce it.
The final chapter begins with questioning the validity of man-made climate change and then abruptly turns to discussing…gender? The concept that a biological male can psychologically identify as a female and vice versa. He makes it clear he doesn’t think this is a real phenomenon. He then abruptly goes into conspiracy-land, considering journalism dead. Of course he would, they’re not reporting favorably (or at all) on his grand idea. Then on to a quick overview of artificial intelligence and then a quick jump to how people are different and to how...I can believe I read this, how the ET is dependent on OUR diversity. And then to Gobekli Tepe and the possibility of ET drones circling the earth and so much more that doesn’t seem to have anything at all to do with proving his theory.
Fifty-years on, and von Daniken has yet to make his case. The Gods Never Left Us should have been a presentation of his best of the best for the Ancient Astronaut Theory. Instead he gave us what was left in his scrap book.
August 25, 2020
This official sequel to Chariots of the Gods was finally released around the golden anniversary of the latter's maiden publication. It is not just a rehash of the former, presenting as it does some new material though it is admittedly rather brief.
The first chapter and the postscript regale us with a fictional tale of beings from the future establishing contact with a retired schoolteacher whose son happens to work at CERN. The second deals with how ETs have been trying to gradually (and hence efficaciously) introduce themselves to humanity, while the third establishes arguments against the theories of chemical and Darwinian evolution in the realization of the modern Homo sapiens. The penultimate chapter explores how the similarities in ancient creation mythologies suggest the existence of gods who came from outer space, while the finale provides glimpses into the probable future.
I spotted a few factual errors and the author repeated some quotes and observations in a few places so it would benefit from a more judicious editing. For me, it's actually more compelling than Chariots, although maybe it's because some of the topics discussed here (like AI) are more current. Thought-provoking stuff.
7/10; 4 stars.
The first chapter and the postscript regale us with a fictional tale of beings from the future establishing contact with a retired schoolteacher whose son happens to work at CERN. The second deals with how ETs have been trying to gradually (and hence efficaciously) introduce themselves to humanity, while the third establishes arguments against the theories of chemical and Darwinian evolution in the realization of the modern Homo sapiens. The penultimate chapter explores how the similarities in ancient creation mythologies suggest the existence of gods who came from outer space, while the finale provides glimpses into the probable future.
I spotted a few factual errors and the author repeated some quotes and observations in a few places so it would benefit from a more judicious editing. For me, it's actually more compelling than Chariots, although maybe it's because some of the topics discussed here (like AI) are more current. Thought-provoking stuff.
7/10; 4 stars.
February 8, 2021
ისევ ეს ზოგადი მიმოხილვა. არანაირი ახალი თეორიები თუ შემთხვევები. ყველაფერს მოედო ამ წიგნში. დაწყებული crop circle-ებიდან, გაგრძელებული მითებში ნახსენები ღმერთების უცხოპლანეტელებთან დაკავშირებით და დასრულებული ქიმიური ევოლუციით, რომელზეც ამბობს რომ დედამიწისეული წარმოშობის არაა.
სწორ კითხვებს სვამს,მაგრამ ერთი და იგივეს ატრიალებს ყველა წიგნში.
სწორ კითხვებს სვამს,მაგრამ ერთი და იგივეს ატრიალებს ყველა წიგნში.
August 27, 2023
Really interesting hypothesis: aliens helped seed humanity (Prometheus).
I’ve been intrigued by these ideas for decades, fascinating writing here, especially the first chapter had me captivated.
However, humans are a mystery, and life and where we came from is the greatest mystery of all.
I’m of the opinion that the truth is probably more bizarre than aliens helped us. Most people assume time is on a consistent flat linear plain; when it is probably more corrugated, and uneven with the present and future altering the past.
What if, every moment is a singularity of possibilities that echo can alter the past?
Perhaps, time is a closed looped, there is no beginning or end it just goes around, and each time it goes around, things get more complex.
We are the universe being conscious of itself. There is no color, color happens in the brain.
This book eludes to this, however, I must say I do not think aliens are visiting us or helped us in the past.
I think we are alone.
If there are aliens, perhaps the aliens are our own AI in the future interfering with the present. And the singularity of possibilities in the present is altering the past and future ad infinitum. Perhaps it's even weirder than that and completely beyond our comprehension, in which case alien Prometheus theories are very conservative and unimaginative comparatively.
I’ve been intrigued by these ideas for decades, fascinating writing here, especially the first chapter had me captivated.
However, humans are a mystery, and life and where we came from is the greatest mystery of all.
I’m of the opinion that the truth is probably more bizarre than aliens helped us. Most people assume time is on a consistent flat linear plain; when it is probably more corrugated, and uneven with the present and future altering the past.
What if, every moment is a singularity of possibilities that echo can alter the past?
Perhaps, time is a closed looped, there is no beginning or end it just goes around, and each time it goes around, things get more complex.
We are the universe being conscious of itself. There is no color, color happens in the brain.
This book eludes to this, however, I must say I do not think aliens are visiting us or helped us in the past.
I think we are alone.
If there are aliens, perhaps the aliens are our own AI in the future interfering with the present. And the singularity of possibilities in the present is altering the past and future ad infinitum. Perhaps it's even weirder than that and completely beyond our comprehension, in which case alien Prometheus theories are very conservative and unimaginative comparatively.
October 16, 2018
I like reading von Däniken, because not only what he writes is intriguing (not to mention controversial for many) but his writing is clear and there is never a dull moment when reading. His writing can perfectly be described as food for thought, one that not many can stomach easily. However, my praise for him does not necessarily mean that I personally believe in all of his theories and claims. Certainly he is quite consistent, with theories that build up to a compelling case but a hint of skepticism hasn't hurt anybody. For anyone wishing to read a work on the Ancient Astronaut theories, blended also with more contemporary motifs, this book is a quick, enjoyable, and compelling read.
January 16, 2018
I was extremely disappointed w/this book & also thought it was boring.
March 28, 2020
I don't know what to make of this book. I'm having trouble going from a guy and his son at CERN, a interesting bit of code which I can find nothing about on the internet, and then somehow ending up on crop circles. And I still have two hours to go because it's an audiobook. And this is one of the reasons I dislike audiobooks so much, I cannot just go back and refresh my memory by flipping a page. If I do not remember the time that I heard it, I have to listen to the whole thing again. If Von Daniken actually has a theory it is not apparent. No real evidence is ever offered and it seems like a rehash of everything he always says. I haven't read any of the other books but then this is the only one I could find at the library. I have seen plenty of interviews and it has always seemed to me that Von Daniken is as guilty of not being willing to listen to differing opinions as he accuses others of being. There have been a lot of opinions that make a lot more sense than jumping to the aliens did it theory.
Take the Egyptians, just because we are too stupid to figure out how they built the pyramids does not mean it automatically makes sense to say "Aliens did it" why not "They just knew something we didn't" or they were more ingenious than we are, or they had a technology that was since destroyed and no one passed it down.
All it takes is one generation to lose knowledge. The people decide to never speak of certain subject, so their children never learn it. Those children cannot teach what they were never taught. All it takes is one generation and a unanimous decision. This makes more sense than this book did. I am not sure I want to read any of the others, this rambled and made it difficult to follow. I'll finish listening but I believe i am going to be just as confused later as I am now.
Take the Egyptians, just because we are too stupid to figure out how they built the pyramids does not mean it automatically makes sense to say "Aliens did it" why not "They just knew something we didn't" or they were more ingenious than we are, or they had a technology that was since destroyed and no one passed it down.
All it takes is one generation to lose knowledge. The people decide to never speak of certain subject, so their children never learn it. Those children cannot teach what they were never taught. All it takes is one generation and a unanimous decision. This makes more sense than this book did. I am not sure I want to read any of the others, this rambled and made it difficult to follow. I'll finish listening but I believe i am going to be just as confused later as I am now.
January 8, 2018
Found this Von Daniken book very engrossing and displaying deeper research/thought than some of his other titles (not to denigrate those at all!).
December 17, 2018
I wouldn't say this is anywhere near Chariots of the Gods but still an interesting read.
February 13, 2020
So many good thinking points and discussion topics. I love how the alien twist is wound into so many ancient phenomena.
May 21, 2019
Sadly, this book did not really introduce new theories which I've never heard of before; it was rather demoralizing while reading. I need to admit that the initial story was interesting, but like all theories I heard of before, unless I see solid proof, I can only appreciate the courage to express it openly, under the risk of being considered ridiculous.
If you are into theories expressed for example on CoastToCoast AM radio show or on Ancient Aliens series, your standards will be high. And they should be. Being bombarded with so many conspiracy theories and pseudo-scientific information out there in "the land of the world wide web", it is becoming more and more difficult to be remarked and believed in the ufology/extraterrestrial influences area.
Erik von Daniken has already marked his place with Chariots of the Gods in the '60s, and I believe this book will forever be a classic for all extraterrestrial aficionados out there.
In case you wish to avoid buying the book, I recommend watching the Ancient Aliens documentary called Return of the Gods and Signs of the Gods . In these documentaries the author covers a lot of information from the book.
If you are into theories expressed for example on CoastToCoast AM radio show or on Ancient Aliens series, your standards will be high. And they should be. Being bombarded with so many conspiracy theories and pseudo-scientific information out there in "the land of the world wide web", it is becoming more and more difficult to be remarked and believed in the ufology/extraterrestrial influences area.
Erik von Daniken has already marked his place with Chariots of the Gods in the '60s, and I believe this book will forever be a classic for all extraterrestrial aficionados out there.
In case you wish to avoid buying the book, I recommend watching the Ancient Aliens documentary called Return of the Gods and Signs of the Gods . In these documentaries the author covers a lot of information from the book.
August 9, 2025
Von Daniken has done it again! He has taken the scientific and intellectual community by the horns and told the point blank that they are full of crap. It is just common sense that tells you that if the people of the past were a primitive as we claim they were, then how in the heck do they all have the same origin stories.
We need to step out of the “dark ages” and accept the truth. Life has been around much longer than we are wiling to accept. Just because we haven’t found the evidence yet, does not mean that it’s the wrong way of thinking. We as a civilization have proven for centuries that new thoughts and ideas are the catalyst for innovation. Without innovation a civilization is doomed to stagnation.
If we do not begin to work together towards a common goal then we risk being left behind the cosmic scheme.
We need to step out of the “dark ages” and accept the truth. Life has been around much longer than we are wiling to accept. Just because we haven’t found the evidence yet, does not mean that it’s the wrong way of thinking. We as a civilization have proven for centuries that new thoughts and ideas are the catalyst for innovation. Without innovation a civilization is doomed to stagnation.
If we do not begin to work together towards a common goal then we risk being left behind the cosmic scheme.
January 3, 2018
You can read this in one sitting - OK - maybe two, because it's one of those books you can read quickly. There's a lot of repeating of material from other books, but that's to be expected - after all the man has written over 40 books on the subject of ancient astronauts and it would be difficult not to repeat some material! There are some new thoughts on the subject of ancient astronauts and that alone makes it worthwhile.
This is for the die-hard von Daniken reader.....people who are just curious about the subject should start with his 1968 classic (50th year anniversary edition is coming out this Summer), Chariots Of The Gods and then move on to some of his others.
This is for the die-hard von Daniken reader.....people who are just curious about the subject should start with his 1968 classic (50th year anniversary edition is coming out this Summer), Chariots Of The Gods and then move on to some of his others.
September 6, 2019
O carte mult sub Amintiri despre viitor atat din punct de vedere al structurii cat si din punct de vedere al bogatiei si calitatii materialului prezentat in carte.Superficiala,repetand la nesfarsit acelasi leitmotiv al extraterestrilor care salasuiesc printre noi si ne observa,ceea ce banuim oricum cu totii,este de fapt o mica culegere a cartilor precedente scrise de acest autor ,fara insa sa mai dezbata ,sa vina cu dovezi,etc,asa cum a facut in Amintiri despre viitor si celelalte carti care i-au urmat ...
May 22, 2022
I have a lot of respect for EvD, but this book is a mess. It has fragmented info on many previous theories he made, or he already had books about, but here it's like a prospect to know what more to read from EvD on specific topics if you interested. I give 2 stars only because not only theories but a lot of science has been included here, which I found very interesting, but again it's more like glimpses to just get your curiosity. Clear as a day that he was contracted to do this book and everybody knew it will sell to his believers.
I was let down. Skip over this one. Not worth your time.
I was let down. Skip over this one. Not worth your time.
July 23, 2023
🖋️ As much as I liked reading Chariots of The Gods, von Däniken really missed it with me this time. The ‘story’ he presents at the beginning drones on and on, and I realized I had better things to do when I realized the tale seemed to never end. 🗑 Conversely, other readers may find this story right up their galaxy; it was not for me.
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March 21, 2024
I have read a few of Erich's books now and they do get better and better. This one is an easier one to get through, there are a number of points that are very thought provoking. A reader cannot help but give this book a read and moments of pause as you contemplate the signs that Erich has pointed out in his words and in the pictures, perhaps there is a possibility that other beings roam or have roamed among us, have and their influence in our outcomes. Have a read, it makes for an interesting conversation.
April 3, 2021
This book gives you a lot to think about, for instance, all over the world, people of different tribes, nationalities, and countries have all experienced "heavenly" interventions in their origin stories. Not only are aliens living among us, but we all possess alien DNA! The question is, which alien race do we come from? This is a MUST READ if you've read any of the other Von Daniken Books, or if you just want to know the truth.
September 11, 2021
I found Chariots of the Gods entertaining. This started off okay but then seemed to just turn into a bizarre ramble of climate change denial and complaints about nonbinary gender. Definitely lost me there and I gave up in the final chapter. I came for ancient aliens, not old man shakes fist because it’s not the 1960s anymore.
January 12, 2023
Mr. Daniken has always provided mind opening thoughts and this book continues in that vein. You can tell he has researched his thoughts and has some valid points. I do think that there is some rambling in his writing style. Because of this you may not feel that you really get his main point by the end of that there are too many examples that are not completely developed.
August 31, 2023
Nowsza, lecz równie aktualna
Moim zdaniem nawet bardziej wciągająca od swojego poprzednika
Napisana przystępnym językiem i z potwierdzeniem wielu faktów, lecz bez nudnych wykresików danych
Idealna dla szukających prawdy o świecie, ale nie dla zagorzałych fanatyków swojej religii
Mnie ciężko będzie teraz wierzyć w "jedynego Boga i Stwórcę"
Dobrego dnia <3
Moim zdaniem nawet bardziej wciągająca od swojego poprzednika
Napisana przystępnym językiem i z potwierdzeniem wielu faktów, lecz bez nudnych wykresików danych
Idealna dla szukających prawdy o świecie, ale nie dla zagorzałych fanatyków swojej religii
Mnie ciężko będzie teraz wierzyć w "jedynego Boga i Stwórcę"
Dobrego dnia <3
October 14, 2023
I haven't read the original book, but this sequel was very enlightening. The concepts seem to align well with the myths and biblical stories. It also harmonizes the myths around the world. While I haven't completely bought into the who aliens are among us, it sure provides a different perspective to the pre-historic contexts.
June 3, 2024
The sequel is not as good as the original. It speculates about whether extraterrestrials are controlling evolution. Our technology is not capable at the moment, and it may never be able to prove Von Daniken's theories. Also, I didn't feel some of his numbers didn't add up.
Chapter 5, "What's Next," was worth reading. Here, Von Daniken is at his best, and his ideas provide many thoughtful points.
Chapter 5, "What's Next," was worth reading. Here, Von Daniken is at his best, and his ideas provide many thoughtful points.
December 20, 2022
Abstrahując od teorii głoszonych przez Dänikena (ludzie zostali niejako stworzeni przez kosmitów) książka ta nie jest zbyt dobra. Autor skacze od tematu, do tematu stawiając śmiałe tezy, których następnie nijak nie popiera jakąkolwiek argumentacją. Szereg kwestii przyjmuje za fakty, choć daleko im do nich. W rezultacie otrzymujemy dość chaotyczną książkę, którą niezbyt dobrze się czyta. Miłośnicy autora nie znajdą w niej niczego nowego, jeśli natomiast ktoś chciałby się zapoznać z jego poglądami, to lepiej zrobi wybierając którąś ze starszych książek - te są daleko lepiej uporządkowane przez co łatwiej jest zrozumieć, o co autorowi w ogóle chodzi.
November 13, 2025
The most comprehensive view on all religions and mysterious events in the human history.
Oh, are we just a little pet experiment?
A test-tube project that they built and sent?
Are we just workers for a cosmic boss?
Or a lost colony they wrote off as a loss?
Oh, why are we here, what's our grand design?
Just 'cause a star-god had a bit of time?
https://suno.com/s/obhYq8mNzlOnoOMl
Oh, are we just a little pet experiment?
A test-tube project that they built and sent?
Are we just workers for a cosmic boss?
Or a lost colony they wrote off as a loss?
Oh, why are we here, what's our grand design?
Just 'cause a star-god had a bit of time?
https://suno.com/s/obhYq8mNzlOnoOMl
December 18, 2017
Disappointing. Nothing new here. I love Von Daniken's books, but this one almost felt like, after 50 years, he just ran out of things to write about.
July 11, 2018
These books are entertaining but seem to regurgitate lots of old stuff making it sound better. Worth reading but not sure if I was wowed by anything new.
March 8, 2019
Interesting idea, but feel he gets lost in too much supposition.
But it does open new ideas. Chariots of the gods was better in my opinion.
But it does open new ideas. Chariots of the gods was better in my opinion.
May 25, 2019
An interesting text, but nowhere near as captivating as its predecessor. At some point, the book seems to delve into actively anti-scientific nonsense.
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