In 'The Cosmic Serpent,' Jeremy Narby embarks on a fascinating journey blending anthropology, biology, and indigenous wisdom. He explores the profound connections between ancient shamanic practices and modern scientific understanding, particularly in relation to DNA and consciousness. Narby investigates the serpent as a powerful symbol in various cultures, revealing its significance in the spiritual and material worlds. With riveting narrative and thought-provoking insights, he challenges conventional notions of knowledge and reality. Prepare to be captivated by a unique exploration that bridges the gap between the mystical and the scientific.
By Jeremy Narby
Published: 1999
""The serpent is not just an animal; it is a symbol of the duality of knowledge, of life and death, of the seen and the unseen, weaving together the threads of reality that bind our understanding of the world and the cosmos.""
Whilst living amongst Peruvian Indians, anthropologist Jeremy Narby learned of their phenomenal knowledge of plants and biochemical interactions, gained under the influence of the hallucinogen ayahuasca. Despite his initial scepticism, Narby found himself engaged in an increasingly obsessive quest. He researched cutting-edge scholarship in subjects as diverse as molecular biology, shamanism, neurology and mythology, which led him inexorably to the conclusion that the Indians' claims were literally true: to a consciousness prepared with drugs, biochemical knowledge could indeed be transmitted, through DNA itself.
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“"The serpent is not just an animal; it is a symbol of the duality of knowledge, of life and death, of the seen and the unseen, weaving together the threads of reality that bind our understanding of the world and the cosmos."”
The Cosmic Serpent
By Jeremy Narby
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Jeremy Narby is a Canadian anthropologist and author best known for his works exploring the intersections of biology, culture, and Indigenous knowledge. His notable works include 'The Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge,' where he examines the connections between traditional Amazonian shamanism and molecular biology, and 'Intelligence in Nature,' which investigates the consciousness of non-human life forms. Narby's writing style is characterized by its blend of scientific inquiry and personal narrative, often engaging with complex themes in accessible language. He is known for challenging conventional views and advocating for the importance of Indigenous wisdom in understanding the natural world.
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