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    • Graham Hancock's Journey to Explore Ancient Sites and Contemplate EthicsGraham Hancock traveled to Turkey, Peru, Bolivia, and South Africa, visiting significant archaeological sites and reflecting on their potential functions and the ethical implications of ancient practices and food choices.

      Graham Hancock, an acclaimed author and explorer, embarked on a lengthy journey across various countries including Turkey, Peru, Bolivia, and South Africa, in late 2013. During his travels, he visited significant archaeological sites and shared his thoughts on their potential functions. In Turkey, he spent time at the excavation of Göbekli Tepe with archaeologist Klaus Schmidt. He also explored underground cities and questioned their intended use for hiding. In the Andes, he visited Shavind Huantar and Tiwanako, where ancient psychedelic veneration took place. He became a vegetarian in 1986 and later reintroduced shellfish into his diet, acknowledging the ethical complexities of taking life. Despite the temporary nature of life, he recognized the interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of respecting them. Overall, Hancock's travels and experiences led him to question the intentions behind ancient structures and reflect on the ethical implications of food choices.

    • Appreciating the connection between hunter and huntedThe speaker values the ethical and natural process of hunting wild game for food, finding it more fulfilling than industrialized meat production.

      The speaker values the connection between himself and the food he consumes, particularly wild game, and believes that hunting is a more ethical and natural alternative to industrialized meat production. He finds the experience of hunting in its natural setting to be a refreshing and intensely satisfying way to obtain food, and is committed to making his diet at home entirely wild game. The speaker's preference for hunting stems from a desire to understand the full cycle of life and death, and to participate in the natural world rather than being disconnected from it through packaged and sanitized food production.

    • The Human Ability to Endure and PersistThroughout history, humans have survived due to our ability to endure and persist, despite not being the fastest or strongest animals. Modern practices and lifestyles have weakened this ability, but we can learn from cultures that have honed it through rigorous practices.

      Humans have an inherent ability to endure and persist, which sets us apart from many animals we hunt. Our ability to keep going for long periods despite not being the fastest or strongest animals has been a key factor in our survival throughout history. This is evident in various cultures and rituals, such as the Kalahari Bushmen and the Kenyan tribe, who have developed intense pain tolerance through rigorous tribal practices. These practices, combined with their natural athletic ability and regular physical activity, have made them successful runners. However, in modern society, we have largely moved away from these practices and may not be as well-equipped to handle survival situations. Shows about subsistence living in extreme environments, like Alaska, offer a glimpse into how people can find satisfaction in this harsh lifestyle and remind us of our potential to adapt and survive.

    • Overwhelmed by constant connectivity, humans find less happinessTechnology promises ease and leisure but instead leaves us feeling guilty and inundated with digital distractions, impacting our mental and emotional well-being.

      Despite the rapid advancements in technology over the last few centuries, humans have found themselves overwhelmed by the demands of constant connectivity, leading to less happiness rather than more. For most of human history, our species relied on hunting and gathering for survival, and only in the last 10,000 years have we begun to experiment with other ways of living. However, the promise of technology making our lives easier and more leisurely has not come to pass. Instead, we find ourselves inundated with emails, social media notifications, and other digital distractions that demand our attention and leave us feeling guilty for not responding. Despite the benefits of technology, such as global communication and access to information, it is clear that we are still adapting to this new way of life and may need to find a balance between staying connected and maintaining our mental and emotional well-being.

    • The Shift in Information DisseminationDirect communication and social media enable individuals to instantly share discoveries, inspire, and influence each other globally, leading to positive change

      The power of direct communication and the reach of social media have significantly shifted the dynamics of information dissemination. The example of John Marco Allegro's controversial book illustrates how traditional media gatekeepers once held the power to suppress ideas, but now individuals can share discoveries and ideas instantly with the world. This new way of connecting has led to a global community where people can learn, inspire, and influence each other in real-time. The speaker's personal experience of using social media to share information and engage with his audience has transformed not only his own life but also the lives of countless others. This newfound ability to communicate directly and reach a broad audience has the potential to bring about positive change on a massive scale. The speaker is optimistic about the future and believes that the ongoing awakening and the power of individual voices will continue to shape the world.

    • Exploring the Intersection of Martial Arts and PsychedelicsEmbracing the intersection of martial arts and psychedelics can lead to profound personal growth, challenging societal norms and misconceptions, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

      The intersection of seemingly disparate interests, such as martial arts and psychedelics, can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world. Martial arts, rather than being just a physical pursuit, is a path to developing human potential and seeking truth about oneself. Similarly, the use of psychedelics can be a deeply challenging and transformative experience, requiring great strength and determination. Society's fear and misunderstanding of these experiences can prevent people from accessing their potential benefits, and it's important to create safe and supportive structures for people to explore them. The internet and open discussions like this one can help challenge the widespread propaganda and misinformation that surrounds these topics. Ultimately, embracing these experiences can lead to a more truthful and authentic understanding of oneself and the world.

    • Personal use of psychedelics vs harm to othersPersonal use of psychedelics, causing no harm to others, can offer benefits and should not be excessively regulated. Distinguish inner experiences from actions harming others.

      While engaging in activities that harm others should be subject to consequences, personal use of psychedelics, which cause no harm to others, can offer significant benefits and should not be subject to unnecessary regulation. The speaker emphasizes the distinction between actions that infringe upon others' sovereignty and inner experiences. He shares personal experiences of addiction to prescribed pills and the potential for psychedelics, like Ibogaine, to help cure addictions and provide insight into the root causes. The speaker also criticizes the pharmaceutical industry for intentionally addicting people to powerful, non-beneficial drugs and expresses excitement about the potential of non-addictive alternatives like a new snail toxin.

    • Plants revealing deep personal issues and facilitating growthCertain plants can uncover hidden personal issues, promoting self-awareness and addiction recovery, while societal norms and materialism may hinder human potential.

      Certain plants, like those used in ayahuasca and Iboga brews, can facilitate encounters with an intelligence that reveals deep personal issues, leading to valuable insights and addiction recovery. However, societal norms and materialism often diminish human potential by denying the existence of consciousness beyond the physical realm and encouraging constant production and consumption. The debate on consciousness and its existence in all matter continues, but the potential impact of these plant encounters on personal growth and self-awareness cannot be ignored.

    • Deepak Chopra and Richard Dawkins' differing perspectives on consciousness and the universeDespite Chopra's belief in human beings being made of stardust and the universe becoming aware of itself through consciousness, the lack of scientific evidence and personal experiences may hinder a full understanding between his perspective and Dawkins' firm atheistic beliefs.

      Deepak Chopra's perspective on human beings being made of stardust and the universe becoming aware of itself through consciousness is a fascinating idea. However, the communication styles of Chopra and Richard Dawkins during their debates can be confusing and polarizing. Dawkins, known for his firm atheistic beliefs, relies heavily on scientific evidence and facts, while Chopra's use of quantum physics and consciousness being non-local can be unclear. The speaker suggests that Dawkins should experience psychedelics like DMT to gain a new perspective and understand the data and experiences that Chopra is referring to. Ultimately, the lack of personal experiences and scientific data on the subject may limit both parties' ability to fully understand each other's viewpoints.

    • A frightening yet transformative experienceThe DMT experience can lead to personal growth and transformation, with guidance from a voice during the journey. However, the intense nature of the experience can also cause fear and anxiety.

      The DMT experience, despite being frightening and surreal, can lead to personal growth and transformation. The voice that the user heard during the experience provided guidance and encouragement, even if it was just subconsciously or telepathically. The user's previous positive experiences with DMT and being in a good place in life made this particular experience even more beneficial. However, the intense nature of the experience could also lead to fear and anxiety as the ego tries to regain control. Overall, the DMT experience redefined the user's view of reality and left a lasting impact on their life.

    • Experience the transformative power of sensory deprivation tanksFloatation tanks offer a unique, relaxing experience with benefits for stress reduction, focus improvement, and personal growth.

      Sensory deprivation tanks, also known as floatation tanks, offer a unique and transformative experience. These tanks, which are filled with highly salted water kept at skin temperature, allow users to float weightlessly in complete darkness and silence. The absence of sensory input can lead to introspection, relaxation, and even psychedelic experiences. Floating in a tank can be beneficial for both the body and the mind, helping to reduce stress, improve focus, and promote personal growth. While some may choose to enhance the experience with substances like cannabis, the tank itself provides a natural and safe environment for exploration and self-discovery. Overall, the use of floatation tanks is a valuable and humbling experience that everyone should consider trying at least once.

    • Exploring the World of Floatation Tanks and Human EvolutionA pioneer in floatation tanks shares how the advanced system helps him work at his best, while a 1.8 million-year-old human skull discovery challenges our understanding of human evolution.

      The individual being discussed is a pioneer in the field of floatation tanks, creating advanced systems with intense filtration, oxygenation, and creating an experience of weightlessness and total sensory deprivation. This tank is a crucial tool for him, enabling him to think and work at his best, away from the constant distractions of the modern world. Another intriguing topic that came up during the conversation was the discovery of a 1.8 million-year-old human skull in Georgia, which has significantly impacted our understanding of human evolution. The skull, named Skull Five, was found to be similar to other early human species, challenging our previous assumptions about the timeline and diversity of human species. These two topics, while seemingly unrelated, highlight the importance of exploration, innovation, and the continuous discovery of new knowledge in various fields. Whether it's pushing the boundaries of sensory deprivation tanks or uncovering the mysteries of our ancient past, the pursuit of new experiences and understanding is a fundamental human drive.

    • New discoveries challenge our understanding of early human civilizationsRecent findings from Flores and Indonesia suggest that early human civilizations were more advanced and older than previously believed, potentially rewriting history.

      Our understanding of human history is being significantly revised. The discovery of the "hobbitman" on Flores and the possible 20,000-year-old megalithic site at Gunung Padang in Indonesia challenge previous assumptions about the age and capabilities of early human civilizations. These findings suggest that our world was populated by various creatures and advanced civilizations much earlier than previously believed. The implications of these discoveries are vast, potentially rewriting history as we know it. Both sites, Gobekli Tepe and Gunung Padang, share similarities as man-made hills with buried earlier layers, hinting at a deliberate burial or time capsule. These discoveries add to the growing body of evidence that civilization is older and more mysterious than we thought.

    • Discovering a 12,000-year-old civilization at Gobekli TepeA 12,000-year-old site with massive stone structures challenges our understanding of early human civilization, requiring extensive planning, resources, and hinting at the existence of a highly advanced society.

      The archaeologists' discovery at Gobekli Tepe in the 1990s unveiled a 12,000-year-old site with massive stone structures, some still buried beneath the ground. The deliberate burial of this site before 10,000 years ago preserved its carbon dating, making it a valuable time capsule. This discovery challenges the ages of other megalithic sites, such as those in Malta, and raises questions about their authenticity. The site's construction required extensive planning, organization, and resources, suggesting the existence of a highly advanced civilization 12,000 years ago. The sudden appearance of agriculture in the area around the same time further supports this theory. Overall, this discovery challenges our understanding of early human history and raises intriguing questions about the existence of a lost civilization.

    • Around 12,980 years ago, Earth experienced a cataclysmic comet impact causing a 'nuclear winter'12,980-year-old comet impact caused a deep freeze, wiped out a civilization, and drastically altered the climate, challenging the uniformitarian view of Earth's history

      Around 12,980 years ago, Earth experienced a sudden and cataclysmic event: a comet impact. This event caused a "nuclear winter," a thousand-year deep freeze that enshrouded the Earth and plunged it back into a deep freeze. This event, known as the Younger Dryas, wiped out a civilization and drastically altered the planet's climate. Archaeologist and researcher Randall Carlson has been advocating for this theory for years, and new evidence supports his hypothesis that the comet fragments hit the ice cap, causing massive floods and outflows. This theory challenges the traditional view of uniformitarianism, which assumes that the Earth's history proceeds smoothly and gently, and instead emphasizes the importance of cataclysmic events in shaping the planet and human history. Ancient stories from various cultures also describe cataclysmic floods, further supporting this perspective.

    • The risk of losing knowledge and memoryOur civilization's advanced technology and fragile infrastructure could lead to a catastrophic loss of knowledge if we don't preserve it in multiple forms, including written records and oral traditions.

      Our civilization, with its advanced technology, vast wealth, and fragile infrastructure, risks losing its knowledge and memory if we continue to prioritize electronics over written records and oral traditions. The speaker expresses concern that we are becoming a species with amnesia, and the potential destruction of our databases and hard drives could result in a catastrophic loss of information. Furthermore, our dependence on cities for food and our inability to effectively respond to natural disasters leave us vulnerable to potential crises. The speaker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these issues and preserving our knowledge in multiple forms to ensure the continuity of our civilization.

    • Understanding the threat of asteroids and comets to EarthWe need to prioritize identifying and understanding the orbit of every asteroid to ensure our safety, as their impact could be devastating.

      The presence of asteroids and comets in space poses a significant threat to Earth, and we need to take this issue more seriously. These celestial bodies, some of which are undetected, can cause catastrophic damage if they collide with our planet. The potential impact of a large asteroid or comet could be devastating, similar to a reset button for civilization. While we invest vast resources into creating weapons of destruction, we should also focus on understanding the orbit of every asteroid and identifying them to ensure our safety. The ancient mythology suggests that mankind's behavior may be linked to these cosmic events. It's crucial that we wake up to this reality and take action before it's too late. The global connectivity we have today presents an opportunity for us to reset ourselves in a positive direction, focusing on long-term solutions rather than short-term profits. The universal theme of ayahuasca, a psychedelic substance, is to save the planet, emphasizing the importance of this message.

    • Love is the antidote to fearRecognize the power of love to create solutions and innovations, and make a difference on a personal level to prevent re-pollution and promote sustainability.

      We must treat our planet and fellow human beings with love, respect, and reverence. Ayahuasca and Bill Hicks' messages emphasize the power of love as the antidote to fear. Innovation and solutions arise when we face significant challenges, like the plastic in the ocean. However, the challenge lies in preventing re-pollution. Our current trend of large cities is unsustainable, but we can make a difference on a personal level, starting within our own spheres of influence. The newfound realization of our impact and the connectivity brought about by the internet offer hope for a better future. Young people today are thinking in terms of humanity as a whole and recognizing the planet as a precious gift. There's a strong spirit of change and a desire to live right.

    • Travel broadens perspectives, but fear is used to divide usFear is being replaced by transparency and access to information, leading to the downfall of deceptive and secretive power structures.

      Travel broadens perspectives and breaks down barriers, revealing the fundamental sameness of people despite differences in nationality, language, and religion. However, fear is used by various powers, including governments, religions, and corporations, to manipulate and divide us. This outdated model of fear-based control is being replaced by transparency and access to information, which will ultimately expose and undermine the influence of special interests and corporations. The government's reliance on deception and secrecy will lead to its own downfall as the boundaries between people and information disappear. The seeds of its destruction are already being sown through technological advancements. The real issue is not affairs or spying, but the structure of power itself and the intolerability of influence that cannot be justified to rational people. The growing anger against continuous surveillance and invasion of privacy will eventually force a change in the way power is wielded.

    • Exploring the role of psychedelics in societal progressAncient civilizations used psychedelics for creativity, cultural development, and peaceful coexistence. Society should reconsider their value as valuable sources of learning and growth.

      The pursuit of truth and individual sovereignty are key to societal progress. The use of psychedelics, as recognized by Terrence McKenna and others, has played an unacknowledged role in human history, fostering creativity and cultural development. The stigma against these substances is a mistake, and the recognition of the adults' right to explore their own consciousness is essential. The ancient civilizations, such as those in Peru, provide evidence of peaceful coexistence and psychedelic use thousands of years ago. The academic world's dismissal of psychedelics' benefits is a relic of the past, and society should reembrace these teachers as valuable sources of learning and growth.

    • Psychedelic mushrooms and the development of language and consciousnessTheories suggest psychedelic mushrooms significantly impacted language, consciousness in early humans. Oldest known visionary art dates back 33,000 years, challenging our understanding of human history. Some scholars deny this evidence, but discoveries like Gobekli Tepe support the theory.

      Psychedelic mushrooms could have played a significant role in the development of language and consciousness in early humans, based on the theories presented by Dennis McKenna and other researchers. This idea, although controversial, is supported by the discovery of visionary art in ancient caves, which suggests the use of psychedelics for spiritual and artistic purposes. The age of this art, estimated to be around 33,000 years old, challenges our understanding of human history and capabilities. The denial of this evidence by some scholars, such as Egyptologists, has led to a skewed perspective on ancient civilizations and their achievements. The discovery of sites like Gobekli Tepe, which is 12,000 years old and showcases large-scale monumental architecture, challenges these dismissive views and adds weight to the theory that psychedelics could have played a transformative role in human history.

    • Limited understanding of the past due to time erasing tracesNew discoveries challenge conventional views of ancient civilizations' technology, suggesting untapped human faculties or unknown techniques were used.

      Our understanding of the past is limited by what remains today, as even structures as old as 12,000 years would have left only stones behind. The passage of time erases all memory and traces, making it easy to get the wrong idea about the past. However, discoveries like Gobekli Teppi and Gulung Padding are changing this. While ancient civilizations like Egypt used copper for hardening and cutting stone, there might have been other untapped human faculties or technologies employed. For instance, the megaliths of the Andes, like Saxe Hwaman, suggest the use of heat or some unknown technology to shape and fit the massive stones together. Despite archaeologists' dismissal of such ideas, the evidence of vitrified stones and the precision of stonework challenges conventional views. The mystery of the past continues to unfold, and new discoveries may reveal unexpected insights into our history.

    • Ancient Andes structures: Awe-inspiring feats of engineering and artistryAncient Andes structures showcase the impressive engineering skills and artistic vision of their builders, despite the unknown methods used, and challenge us to reconsider our understanding of history.

      The ancient stone structures found in the Andes Mountains, such as the one described in the discussion, are a testament to the incredible engineering skills and artistic vision of the people who built them. Despite the lack of clear understanding of how the massive stones were moved and fitted together, it is believed to be the work of ancient civilizations, possibly even predating the Incas. The intricate way the stones were joined together, their varying sizes, and the sheer scale of the structures, leave us in awe and questioning the methods and technology used during that time. The conventional dating of these structures is a subject of debate, as some believe that there might have been earlier cultures that have been overlooked by history. Overall, the structures serve as a reminder of the incredible feats humans have achieved throughout history and the importance of keeping an open mind when exploring the unknown.

    • Limited by preconceptions in history and archaeologyNew discoveries can challenge existing narratives, but a more provisional mindset is necessary to fully understand their implications

      Our understanding of history and archaeology can be limited by our preconceived notions and the desire to fit new discoveries into existing paradigms. The example of the long-held belief that the earth revolves around the sun illustrates this. In archaeology, the discovery of Gobekli Tepe has challenged the existing narrative about the Upper Paleolithic period, but some researchers are hesitant to fully embrace the implications of this discovery. The lack of written records and the vast amount of unexcavated material make it essential to approach history with a more provisional mindset. The ongoing debate about the age of the Sphinx is another example of how new evidence can be met with resistance, but discoveries like Gobekli Tepe and Gunung Padang are pushing the boundaries of what we know about human history. Ultimately, the field of archaeology may need to adopt a more open-minded approach to accommodate new discoveries and reconsider old assumptions.

    • Exploring Ancient Egypt's Complex HistoryJohn Anthony West's 'Magical Egypt' series reveals older techniques and layers of architecture at ancient sites, challenging assumptions about who built them. Discoveries like Gobekli Tepe and Gunung Padang may force reconsideration. Erosion evidence contradicts accepted timeline but is often ignored. Objective, scientific approach essential.

      The understanding of ancient civilizations, particularly Egypt, requires a more nuanced and complex exploration of their sites, challenging the assumption that the latest culture discovered is responsible for all the work. John Anthony West's documentary series, "Magical Egypt," sheds light on this issue, highlighting the existence of older techniques and layers of architecture that have been overlooked. The discovery of sites like Gobekli Tepe and Gunung Padang may force mainstream academia to reconsider these assumptions. The erosion evidence from Robert Schoch's research in Egypt is a significant finding that challenges the accepted timeline, but it has been ignored by some in the field. Unfortunately, archaeologists have been known to hide or destroy evidence that contradicts their beliefs. The importance of maintaining an objective and scientific approach in archaeology cannot be overstated. The next step is to continue advocating for a more comprehensive and in-depth exploration of ancient sites, uncovering the complex layers of history that have been hidden for too long.

    • Graham Hancock's New Book: A Sequel to 'Fingerprints of the Gods'Graham Hancock, known for his non-fiction works, is writing a sequel to 'Fingerprints of the Gods' and also venturing into fiction with 'War God'.

      Graham Hancock, known for his non-fiction works on ancient history and alternative theories, is currently writing a sequel to his 1995 book "Fingerprints of the Gods," inspired by new evidence and discoveries. This new book, which will be published in the fall of 2015, will be a completely new work and not just an update of his earlier book. Hancock has also been writing novels, including "Entangled," "War God," and the upcoming "Magician of the Gods." Despite being branded as a non-fiction author, Hancock's passion for storytelling has led him to explore fiction as well. "War God," a novel about the Spanish conquest of Mexico, is available for purchase on Amazon.com, and Hancock is offering signed bookplates to those who order it through his website within the next ten days. Hancock's work, whether fact or fiction, is deeply rooted in historical facts and explores intriguing themes and conflicts.

    • The Aztecs and their war god WitzelopostliThe Aztecs deeply believed in communing with their war god through human sacrifice, leading to an unprecedented level of violence, affecting over 80,000 people in just four days, including the Spanish.

      The Aztec civilization, under the rule of Emperor Moctezuma, was deeply rooted in the belief of communing with their war god, Witzelopostli, or Hummingbird, through human sacrifice, often facilitated by the use of psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms. This belief led to an unprecedented level of human sacrifice, with estimates suggesting over 80,000 people were sacrificed in just four days. The Spanish, too, were not exempt from this brutal practice. The novel "War God" by Graham Hancock explores this dark period in history, delving into the manipulation of Moctezuma and Cortez by this demonic entity and the devastating consequences it had on human history. The story serves as a reminder of the battle between good and evil, with both the Spanish and Aztecs having their share of atrocities. The human spirit, however, still shines through, offering courage, decency, and love amidst the darkness. The novel also raises questions about the nature of reality and the potential consequences of human interaction with supernatural entities.

    • Exploring the Deeper Human ExperienceConsider the complexity of human nature and learn from history's lessons to make positive choices defining our character and impact beyond this life.

      The complexities of human nature and the existence of horrific actions throughout history may indicate a deeper, multi-layered reality. We should consider the possibility that there may be more to the human experience than what we can explain economically or materially. The choice is ours to learn from duality and choose the path of light and good, rather than darkness and evil. The horrific actions throughout history, such as wars and human sacrifices, may serve as lessons and reminders of the consequences of our choices. Ultimately, our choices define us and have consequences beyond this life.

    • The Aztecs' belief in a prophecy of Quetzalcoatl's return aided Cortez's conquestThe Aztecs' belief in a prophecy of Quetzalcoatl's return, combined with their neighbors viewing Cortez as a liberator, helped the Spanish conquer them despite numerical disadvantage.

      The Spanish conquest of the Aztecs, despite their vast numerical disadvantage, was made possible by the Aztecs' neighbors viewing Cortez as a liberator and the belief in a prophecy of the return of the feathered serpent god, Quetzalcoatl. Cortez exploited this superstition and fear to represent himself as the god, even though he was not a god of peace but a god of war. The prophecy described the return of Quetzalcoatl in ships without oars and weapons that dismembered men at a distance, which matched the Spanish ships and guns. This ancient notion of mysterious strangers who would return was present in Mexican culture for thousands of years, making Cortez's victory seem like a fulfillment of a prophecy. The discovery of a Spanish castaway by the Maya, who could communicate through sign language, helped Cortez understand the locals and navigate their culture.

    • Malinal's Role in Cortez's Conquest of MexicoMalinal, a historical figure, played a crucial role in Cortez's successful communication with the Aztecs through her proficiency in both Maya and Nahuatl, becoming his interpreter and mistress.

      Malinal, a historical figure, played a pivotal role in the conquest of Mexico by Cortez. Initially, Hironimo Aguilar served as Cortez's interpreter due to his fluency in Maya and Spanish. However, when they encountered the Aztecs, who spoke Nahuatl, Aguilar became useless. Malinal, who was already a prisoner of Cortez, stepped forward and became the sole interpreter due to her proficiency in both Maya and Nahuatl. She not only translated for Cortez but also became his mistress and the mother of his child. Malinal's courage and intelligence were crucial in Cortez's successful communication with the Aztecs, including a confrontation with Moctezuma. Despite her significant contributions, she is often viewed as a traitor in Mexico today. Cortez, a man of war and cunning, aimed to become the king of Mexico but was eventually brought down by the king of Spain. He lived to be about 58, an impressive age for those times, despite the lack of modern medical care and the numerous battles he fought. The Spanish conquistadors were small in stature due to nutritional issues, but they were formidable warriors.

    • The human body in Japan has changed significantly over the last 50 yearsImprovements in nutrition have led to an increase in large and tall individuals in Japan, particularly in mixed martial arts

      The shape of the human body has undergone significant changes in Japan over the past 50 years, with an increasing number of large and tall individuals emerging, particularly in the realm of mixed martial arts. This shift can be attributed to improvements in nutrition. It's intriguing to consider how different our reality is today compared to just a few centuries ago, where resources were scarcer and life was more challenging. Graham Hancock's works, such as "War God" and "Fingerprints of the Gods," offer fascinating insights into our past. If you're interested in learning more, consider purchasing these books through Amazon or visiting GrahamHancock.com for a signed bookplate. Additionally, don't miss out on Audible.com, Carbonite.com, and onnit.com for various offers.

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    Grant Gordon is a political scientist and policymaker who specializes in humanitarian intervention. He’s a fellow at the Stanford Center on International Conflict and Negotiation, and has worked on humanitarian and development policy for the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the UN Office of Humanitarian Coordination, the UN Refugee Agency, as well as the Rwandan Government, Open Society Justice Initiative and other organizations. All of that is a long way of saying he works on the some of the world's worst problems and conflicts, and tries to figure out which interventions will actually help. He’s embedded with the Congolese military to try to understand why soldiers attack citizens, he's used satellites to monitor and deter genocidal violence in Darfur, and he's studied the ways in which peacekeepers can win hearts and minds with local communities in Haiti. And over and over again, he's found that good intentions do not always make good policies. It's a valuable lesson — and Grant is a valuable voice — for anyone who thinks seriously about policymaking. Grant is also a good friend whose work has long fascinated me, and so it was great to get a chance to interrogate him on it for two hours. Among other things, we covered:- How to read academic literature efficiently- Grant’s path from being a kid in California to working in the Rwandan health ministry to hiding under cars in Congo- What his whiteness and Jewish heritage means in his work on humanitarian policy- How the politics around humanitarian intervention have changed since the 90s- How and why he got an internship, as a college student, in the Rwandan health ministry by cold emailing Rwanda's health minister- How randomized controlled trials do and don’t help humanitarian work- Why it's actually difficult for a fragile society to build an army strong enough to protect its citizens but not so strong it overthrows the government- How to care for yourself when you work in and out of conflict-torn placesAnd much more. Towards the end of the interview, Grant turns the tables and questions me for a bit, so keep an ear out for that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Ep.88 HIGHLIGHT I Learning from past mistakes

    Ep.88 HIGHLIGHT I Learning from past mistakes
    WANT THE FULL EPISODE? Check out yesterday's episode Ep.88 I Spencer Klavan I Deciding to Save the West, or download it directly using this link.

    Spencer Klavan joins the show to discuss the modern crises that threaten Western civilization and the decisions required to overcome them.

    KEY TOPICS
    Aristotle’s lasting influence on modern decision-making.
    The pseudo-religious tendencies of Stoicism.
    The 5 modern crises that threaten the fabric of our civilization.

    Order your copy of Spencer’s book, “How to Save the West: Ancient Wisdom for 5 Modern Crises”: https://www.amazon.com/How-Save-West-Ancient-Wisdom/dp/1684513456

    CONNECT WITH US
    www.decidedlypodcast.com
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    Join us every Wednesday for more strategies to DEFEAT bad decision-making - one episode at a time!

    MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
    “How to Save the West: Ancient Wisdom for 5 Modern Crises”: https://www.amazon.com/How-Save-West-Ancient-Wisdom/dp/1684513456

    Gateway to the Stoics: Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations, Epictetus’s Enchiridion, and Selections from Seneca’s Letters: https://www.amazon.com/Gateway-Stoics-Meditations-Epictetuss-Enchiridion/dp/1684514002

    CONNECT WITH SPENCER KLAVAN
    Instagram: @sklavan
    Twitter: @spencerklavan
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpencerAKlavan/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-klavan-0a963631/
    “How to Save the West: Ancient Wisdom for 5 Modern Crises”: https://www.amazon.com/How-Save-West-Ancient-Wisdom/dp/1684513456
    Gateway to the Stoics: Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations, Epictetus’s Enchiridion, and Selections from Seneca’s Letters: https://www.amazon.com/Gateway-Stoics-Meditations-Epictetuss-Enchiridion/dp/1684514002
    Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/young-heretics/id1513602173

    Spencer Klavan is a scholar, writer, and podcaster who has harbored a lifelong devotion to the great works and principles of the West. After studying Greek and Latin as an undergraduate at Yale, he spent five years at Oxford University to earn his doctorate in ancient Greek literature. Now an editor at the Claremont Institute, he has written for many outlets, including The Atlantic, the Los Angeles Times, City Journal, Newsweek, the Claremont Review of Books, The Federalist, The American Mind, and The Daily Wire.

    His most recent work sounded the alarm on the cultural decline of the Western world, titled “How to Save the West: Ancient Wisdom for 5 Modern Crises”. Spencer’s deep understanding of the roots of Western civilization makes him a trustworthy guide for navigating our evolving culture, and what we can do to help. His analysis: The situation is dire. But every crisis we face today we have faced—and surmounted—before.

    Episode 3: Indiana Jones

    Episode 3: Indiana Jones
    This episode, presented by Victoria and Jess, offers insight into the portrayal of archaeologists in popular media—with a particular spotlight on George Lucas’s Indiana Jones. They discuss how these representations came about, what ideas propagate from them, and the positives and negatives of their public consumption. Topics utilized in this episode include Egyptomania, eurocentrism, ethics in archaeology, children’s media, and the realities of archaeological work.

    At the end of this episode, listeners will be able to:
    •Assess how archaeology as a discipline is represented in entertainment media
    •Analyze the positive and negative consequences of Indiana Jones and other fictional
    archaeologists
    •Recognize how archaeologists can engage with fictional representations of archaeology

    #268 - Brian D. Earp - The Ethics Of Using Drugs To Fall In & Out Of Love

    #268 - Brian D. Earp - The Ethics Of Using Drugs To Fall In & Out Of Love
    Brian D. Earp is a Research Fellow at Oxford, philosopher and writer. Love is a feeling many of us yearn to feel, but the medical developments of the 21st century is moving love out of the personal and into the medical realm. Expect to learn if we can make ourselves fall in or out of love with drugs, whether we can turn a straight person gay, how anti-love drugs can help reduce domestic violence, the ethics of changing your attractiveness with drugs and much more... Sponsors: Get 83% discount & 3 months free from Surfshark VPN at https://surfshark.deals/MODERNWISDOM (use code MODERNWISDOM) Extra Stuff: Follow Brian on Twitter - https://twitter.com/briandavidearp  Buy Love Is The Drug - https://amzn.to/3bf6uas  Get my free Ultimate Life Hacks List to 10x your daily productivity → https://chriswillx.com/lifehacks/ To support me on Patreon (thank you): https://www.patreon.com/modernwisdom - Get in touch. Join the discussion with me and other like minded listeners in the episode comments on the MW YouTube Channel or message me... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ModernWisdomPodcast Email: https://www.chriswillx.com/contact  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices