The Science of Self-Empowerment: Awakening the New Human Story

Drawing upon the latest discoveries in molecular biology, genetics, and earth science, coupled with ancient wisdom, Gregg Braden maintains that everything from our self-esteem to our self-worth depends on how we answer the question: “who are we?” Nineteenth century thinking would have us believe that the emergence of life, and the evolution of life that followed, were a result of blind-chance and random mutations occurring over eons of time. But our supposed insignificance in the universe is giving away to 21st century science as biologists and mathematicians alike are telling us that the likelihood of life emerging by chance is essentially zero. It now appears that we are a product of an evolving intelligent universe. Darwin’s theory of evolution does not address the question of how life emerged but rather attempts to explain how species change over time. The theory of evolution is based on two main tenants: All species evolved from a common ancestor, and evolutionary changes are a result of random mutations. But these eighteenth-century ideas are giving away to our new scientific understanding. Francis Crick the co-discoverer of DNA called the existence of DNA “almost a miracle,” as no one can explain where the information in the nucleus of our cells originated.” (Qtd. in Braden 9) American mathematician and physicist Wolfgang Smith says, “In the final analysis, evolutionism is in truth a metaphysical doctrine decked out in scientific garb.” (Qtd. in Braden 31) Darwin himself was concerned that his theory could not account for the fully developed soft-bodied and hard-bodied organisms exhibited in the Cambrian geologic period which were not proceeded by simpler precursor forms in the fossil record. To this day, these discontinuities in the fossil record have not been reconciled. Even more troubling is the failure of the theory of evolution to explain the appearance of anatomically modern humans who arrived around two-hundred thousand years ago. A growing body of physical and DNA evidence suggests that our species may have appeared with no evolutionary path leading to our arrival, according to Braden. In the year 2000, an article in the journal “Nature” announced that DNA evidence clearly shows we are not descended from Neanderthals throwing the question of our ancestry into dispute once again. Our understanding of Neo-Darwinian evolution is that random incremental changes are considered beneficial to an organism only if it increases that organism’s chances of living long enough to pass on its genes to the next generation. Yet, around two-hundred thousand years ago, two extraordinary mutations happened very rapidly in humans that are contradictory to evolutionary theory’s insistence for slow incremental change, and survival benefits: The first was a mutation on a gene called FOSP2 located on chromosome 7 resulting in our enhanced ability to create complex language; the second mutation, located on chromosome 2, fused two chromosomes into one making the new chromosome much more efficient resulting in our “humanness”—the growth and development or our cortex, our capacity for emotions, and the fetal development of our organs. Braden says that during the fusion of these chromosomes, or immediately afterward, “[genes] were either adjusted, turned off, or removed altogether to make the new single chromosome more efficient…This fact strongly implies intentionality… Unless we believe that we are the product of deterministic blind chance with no free will, we do have the power to impact our lives.” Gregg Braden, I believe, has answered the question of “who are we?” We are participants in an intelligent, evolving universe that has given us a second layer of consciousness resulting in our unique ability to ponder and question our perceived reality.

Gregg Braden has produced a masterpiece of fusion between science and spirituality ideas and how they both can get caught up in so-called traditional thinking patterns. He has shown in a very clear, relaxed and readable way that they are not antagonists to each other. Rather he has shown that they are both vitally important to each other as they balance each other perfectly. They need to be listening to each other more. The pointless fight between creation and evolution as he clearly shows, is a foolish and silly dichotomy that ought not to be wasting so much human energy. Everyone needs to be pursuing the fundamental truth that is revealing itself a small step at a time. Being locked up in their own thinking shows that neither extreme of the argument has the answers. They clearly do not as Gregg so compellingly laid out. I for one am even more curious and excited than I ever was before about what the Universe has yet to reveal. it is a really , really big story. As an engineer and always super curious about everything, I want to hear more from Gregg and people like him. The world will benefit greatly from wide open minds as his obviously has been for a long while. Great read Gregg. Absolutely fascinating and compelling.

This book is so rich with a variety of information, but the main overall theme would be “who are we” and do we place value on human life? If human life doesn’t have the ultimate value in our society, then what does . . . some lifeless “thing”? Gregg says that we “need to respect and value all life”.I find what he proposes as an alternative to either Creationism or Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, based on scientific evidence, extremely exciting. That we, mankind, may have cosmic origins is profoundly inspiring with paradigm-shattering implications. It means that our lives were not a primordial accident, but have purpose, intent, and ultimate meaning!Gregg bravely steps forward with new scientific facts to change our beliefs about our origins. In so doing, he turns our old way of viewing ourselves upside-down. We are so much more than we were taught. This book is like a ten-course meal – it gives us a lot to consume and digest and it asks us to change a major belief.The Keys at the end of Human by Design aptly sums up all of the concepts and facts that Gregg presented throughout his book – a wonderful reference to help review what you’ve learned.

The knowledge presented in this book challenges the deeply entrenched knowledge we have been accustomed to. However, with an open mind one can see a coherent argument for a major shoft in how we understand the basic question, 'Who are we?' What the consequences of finding an answer that breaks the chains we have been bounded thus far, is liberating and opens a vast of possibilities. It empowers us to create our own destiny according to the reality we create. Humanity can change towards a better life and stop being stuck in the world of 'victims'. A new journey with exciting experieces can begin for the brave hearts.

Greg has authored a very interesting book, I highly recommend its reading, however at the end of the day, it is our individual choice alone, to stand pat and play out the hand or to go all in and bet the farm with the knowledge this book and similar books offer us. To own up to our individual responsibilities to protect ourselves, each other and most importantly Our Planet. While others seem to be planing to escape this planet prior to its demise, it is more than obvious the lessons failed here would be (will be) repeated elsewhere.

Talks about ancient history and modern discoveries

Must read book. Well researched. If we believed that we were not just the results of a series of random events over countless millennia we would know that we have a special purpose. We would love and care for ourselves, love others and love our environment. We would collectively make the world a better place.Well done Gregg.

Loved this book. Can not put it down. I love books that make one think, and think and think. Gregg Braden is a favourite of mine.

Its valuable information invite you to rethink how to perceive our unique role for living in the world as truly empowered human beings.

Sono una fan di Gregg Braden perché riesce a coniugare perfettamente e con modesta semplicità scienza e spiritualità.Meraviglioso quest'ultimo libro che consiglio vivamente a tutti!!