I'm reading an interesting book right now, but I'm not sure what to make of it. It's “The 12th Planet” by Zecheriah Sitchen. I've been wanting to read it for years, but there was always other books; you know how it goes.
It's the first in a series, and it's researched from translations of the Sumerian tablets. He interprets the tales of the gods as alien settlers in prehistory. Don't laugh, it really is a viable theory. The problem is, he is really sold on his interpretation of the tablets. He is always using phrases like “It's obvious that this means...” or “There can be no doubt..,” and not just a few times. Such phrases appear every couple of pages. I'm not sure why this bothers me, but I would have liked to see a healthy dose of cautious skepticism.
This is a little harsh to say, but it really looks like he is reading the Sumarian texts in such a way as to make them fit his theories. This is like calling a Believer a “Heretic,” but that's how it reads. I did kinda pick up this book hoping to verify what I wanted to believe, so it made me that much more skeptical, guarding myself against being swept away into a pet theory. I'm hoping that one of you has read more of his work, and if you could set me straight, that would be fabulous.
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No, I've not read that one...
ReplyDeleteI've actually read the first part of this one. I couldn't get through it all for the exact reasons you stated. He seems to really want his theories to be true and interprets the text the way he wants.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt that this is an excellent post. It matches my theory.
ReplyDeleteOh, SO ANNOYING! I can't read anything that is 'interpretation' when it's presented in such a biased way. Drives me NUTS (usually when I see it, it is somebody reading something biblical and I want to SCREAM, 'hello, 800 years before anybody could WRITE--isn't it POSSIBLE some of it is like the telephone game? Not to mention all the OBVIOUS (yes, I said it) parables). Frustrating to want to give something consideration and then to be turned off because the arguer is too gung ho to take seriously.
ReplyDeleteI have not read it but I've heard of the book. I know some people who have read it. I've seen shows on The History Channel regarding aliens and ancient writings. Fascinating stuff. Of course, the material is open to subjective interpretation. But fascinating just the same.
ReplyDeleteNever read it but now you've peaked my interest!
ReplyDeleteI like the premise, but wonder if the same thing would get my goat. It sounds like it would. When translating anything, one can't say what was definitely intended. Heck, even modern languages regularly get mis-translated!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review!
Tina @ Life is Good
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Shannon @ The Warrior Muse