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The Origins of Man and the Universe: The Myth that Came to Life
This book, originally published in 1984, contains Barry Long's extraordinary vision of the structure of existence, evolution and the human mind. It is impossible to adequately describe the scope and range of its subject matter because it encompasses everything we are able to perceive and much that we can only know by spiritual insight. It describes how the human mind works. It contains prophecy - some of which has now come true, in events like 9/11 and recent scientific discoveries. It contains explanations for UFO's and other phenomena. It explains evolution in a way that resolves the more recent debates about Intelligent Design. It provides the perspective for understanding the Big Bang. It is not science. It is not religion. It is what Barry Long called 'the myth that came to life.'
- GenresPhilosophyNonfiction
367 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1984
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 2, 2010
This is not an easy book to review. By Long's own accord, rating the book is pretty irrelevant. This is a journey into one man's vision of our "higher reality".
Barry speaks of "writing from the truth" with such conviction that makes the information difficult at times to accept. There is a closure implicit in truth which precludes further development.
Where the gems stand is in the visions of imagination that one can explore in his writings and diagrams. I see Barry longs book like a wonderful exploration into "Barry's-dimension"; a world which is true and contained [though infinite:] within his own reality, and thought-provoking.
Most of what he has to say is all around one subject. Only the present exists, the truth is within, the greater reality is within. He just packages it very differently and also expands onto it from a historical [back to the big bang:] and from an evolutionary perspective. So in that sense, there is either a lot to learn here, or not much; depending on what else you have read.
Intuitively, some of what he writes feels true; and other aspects do not. Ranging from "probably not" to "that seems wrong or not right at all".
Lastly, the book probably lost one star because there is an inherent negativity which comes through the book. It is subtle, but pervasive. Subtle because he speaks about love, god, infinity; but it is negatively balanced by his projection that we are inherently lost, devolving, colluded, and perpetually cyclically bound.
That said, what remains is thought provoking, and it has sparked new ideas inside of me, as well as new perspective, old truths, and some good inspiration.
Barry speaks of "writing from the truth" with such conviction that makes the information difficult at times to accept. There is a closure implicit in truth which precludes further development.
Where the gems stand is in the visions of imagination that one can explore in his writings and diagrams. I see Barry longs book like a wonderful exploration into "Barry's-dimension"; a world which is true and contained [though infinite:] within his own reality, and thought-provoking.
Most of what he has to say is all around one subject. Only the present exists, the truth is within, the greater reality is within. He just packages it very differently and also expands onto it from a historical [back to the big bang:] and from an evolutionary perspective. So in that sense, there is either a lot to learn here, or not much; depending on what else you have read.
Intuitively, some of what he writes feels true; and other aspects do not. Ranging from "probably not" to "that seems wrong or not right at all".
Lastly, the book probably lost one star because there is an inherent negativity which comes through the book. It is subtle, but pervasive. Subtle because he speaks about love, god, infinity; but it is negatively balanced by his projection that we are inherently lost, devolving, colluded, and perpetually cyclically bound.
That said, what remains is thought provoking, and it has sparked new ideas inside of me, as well as new perspective, old truths, and some good inspiration.
October 22, 2010
Years ago this book was the one that I could not stop talking about; there were in it a lot of shocking revelations and ideas. Unfortunately I can not find it anywhere to read it again. Barry Long died years ago from cancer and in his last months he published on his website unique insights on the disintegration of the consciousness and dying. He was a real spiritual teacher and his books are still very relevant for our present time.
January 7, 2011
All his books worth reading
January 30, 2023
I've read and heard (audiobook) this work by Barry Long probably about 8 times or more. I consider it the best of BL's works, and even better as read out by him in the audiobook version, which is a part of the Myth of Life series. There are strong currents of Advaita and Vedanta in this book, and anyone familiar with eastern philosophy or practical awareness/nondual type teachings will recognise some material here. This book isn't as practical as some of BL's other books, however, it's well worth the listen, as it presents a rather unique story that sort of explains man and the universe's origins, and the downfall. It corresponds very well with some of the more traditional esoteric teachings around. I love the idea of the body being a 'space suit'. I've not heard this elsewhere. I also like BL's emphasis on just listening, and not gathering intellectual knowledge or engaging the analytical mind with these sorts of teachings. Some of BL's other works are a bit mixed in their teaching aims, purported 'truths', and promised results, but this one is highly recommended.
The audiobook version is usually packaged with another work "Who am I?", which again, I would highly recommend as a unique and effective take on self-inquiry, and Vedanta type considerations. This one IS practical, and guides the listener through positioning one's self in the first person, as opposed to our usual modus operandi of identifying with the personality, external person etc. Those familiar with self-inquiry, Advaita enquiry, and parts of Gurdjieff work will recognise where Barry is probably coming from. Again, well worth the time to listen and follow. I don't rate all of BL's works with a 5 star, but the Myth of Life series, and these two in particular, which are the last 2 works are really the cream of the crop in terms of all of his recordings and writings.
The audiobook version is usually packaged with another work "Who am I?", which again, I would highly recommend as a unique and effective take on self-inquiry, and Vedanta type considerations. This one IS practical, and guides the listener through positioning one's self in the first person, as opposed to our usual modus operandi of identifying with the personality, external person etc. Those familiar with self-inquiry, Advaita enquiry, and parts of Gurdjieff work will recognise where Barry is probably coming from. Again, well worth the time to listen and follow. I don't rate all of BL's works with a 5 star, but the Myth of Life series, and these two in particular, which are the last 2 works are really the cream of the crop in terms of all of his recordings and writings.
December 25, 2008
Insightful, but very deep and requires effort to read. I'm a bit bogged down at the moment.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews