A dry wind

I’ve been diving deep into Graham Hancock’s work lately, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride. In his book “Fingerprints of the Gods,” and especially when he shares his experiences and theories, there’s this incredible blend of history, mystery, and a wake-up call that’s too compelling to ignore. So, let’s break down some of the key points he’s been trying to get across to us.

Hancock has this way of peeling back the layers of our past, pointing to myths, legends, and some jaw-droppingly old monuments as evidence. He suggests that these are not just stories or stone; they’re messages from our ancestors. According to him, humanity has faced some pretty nasty disasters that wiped the slate clean, and if we’re reading the signs right, we’re due for another round.

What’s really interesting is how Hancock doesn’t just doom-scroll through history. He throws in a lifeline – this idea that if we can get our act together, show some love and respect for each other, and make choices that lift us up instead of tearing us down, we might just dodge the bullet next time disaster decides to roll in.

His journey to the Hopi Reservation in Arizona really brings this all to life. He went there to understand the Hopi’s take on prophecies and found a people deeply connected to the cycles of destruction and renewal that their legends speak of. Through stories of worlds being destroyed by fire, ice, and flood, the Hopi convey a clear message: the survival of this current world hinges on our actions.

Sitting in a trailer with the wind howling outside, Hancock listened to Paul Sifki, a Hopi elder, share his insights. The elder spoke of signs already present that indicate we’re on a dangerous path. From the way we live without regard for morals or each other, to environmental distress signals like unyielding winds and droughts, the message was stark. We’re drifting far from where we need to be, and the consequences could be catastrophic.

Yet, in all this, there’s a thread of hope. The Hopi, holding tight to their traditions, believe there’s a chance to mitigate the looming disaster. It’s about respecting the earth, understanding that everything is interconnected, and living in a way that honors that balance.

Hancock’s conversations and reflections underscore a universal truth echoed across many cultures and epochs: we’re part of something much larger than ourselves, and our survival depends not just on acknowledging this fact but acting upon it.

In sharing Graham Hancock’s journey and insights, I’m reminded of the importance of looking back to move forward. His work challenges us to consider the past as a mirror for our present and future. And maybe, just maybe, by listening to these ancient warnings, we can navigate our way to a better outcome.

The 4 worlds

Graham Hancock, through his exploration of ancient myths and legends, particularly those of the Hopi people, delves into the concept of the Four Worlds or Ages. This idea is not unique to the Hopi but is found in various indigenous cultures around the world, each with their own interpretation. Hancock’s interest in these stories often highlights his broader thesis about lost civilizations and the cyclical nature of human history, including the possibility of global cataclysms that reset civilization.

The Hopi legend of the Four Worlds describes a cycle of creation and destruction, each world ending in a catastrophe that wipes out most of humanity, with survivors starting anew in the next world. The narratives for the end of each world vary but typically involve great floods, fire, ice, or a combination of natural disasters. These stories align with Hancock’s speculation that ancient civilizations might have been advanced in ways we do not fully understand and that they might have been wiped out by cataclysmic events.

1. First World (World of Fire): This world was destroyed by fire, possibly referring to volcanic eruptions or a meteor strike, leading to a purification of the earth. This event is seen as a punishment for the moral and spiritual failings of its inhabitants.
2. Second World (World of Ice): The end of this age came through ice, which might suggest a sudden ice age or a massive drop in global temperatures. This catastrophe is often described as the earth toppling from its axis.
3. Third World (World of Water): This world was obliterated by a great flood, a common theme in many cultures’ mythologies, including the Biblical story of Noah’s Ark. The flood is another form of purification, clearing the way for a new beginning.
4. Fourth World (Current World): According to the Hopi (and reflected in Hancock’s discussions), we are currently living in the Fourth World. This world’s fate is yet to be determined and depends on humanity’s actions. The Hopi prophecies, as explored by Hancock, suggest that if humanity does not live in harmony with the earth and each other, this world too might face a cataclysmic end.

Hancock’s exploration of these myths serves to underline his broader message: that ancient wisdom and knowledge, preserved in stories and legends, have much to teach us about our place in the world and the potential consequences of our actions. He uses the concept of the Four Worlds to argue for a deeper investigation into human history, suggesting that understanding these cycles could be crucial for our survival.

Wildfires

As the increasing effects of climate change and land-use change make wildfires more frequent and intense, it is estimated that we could witness a global increase in the occurrence of extreme fires of up to 14 per cent by 2030, 30 per cent by 2050 and 50 per cent by the end of this century.

UN

The summer of 2023 was the hottest on record globally. Over 460.000 hectares of forest have been destroyed by wildfires this year.

Food insecurity

According to the Mid-Year Update of the Global Report on Food Crises, there are currently at least 238 million acutely food insecure people around the world, with a 10% increase on the 2022 figure.

Global Report on Food Crises