The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and ImageThis groundbreaking book proposes that the rise of alphabetic literacy reconfigured the human brain and brought about profound changes in history, religion, and gender relations. Making remarkable connections across brain function, myth, and anthropology, Dr. Shlain shows why pre-literate cultures were principally informed by holistic, right-brain modes that venerated the Goddess, images, and feminine values. Writing drove cultures toward linear left-brain thinking and this shift upset the balance between men and women, initiating the decline of the feminine and ushering in patriarchal rule. Examining the cultures of the Israelites, Greeks, Christians, and Muslims, Shlain reinterprets ancient myths and parables in light of his theory. Provocative and inspiring, this book is a paradigm-shattering work that will transform your view of history and the mind. |
Contents
Preface | |
PROTESTANTCATHOLIC | |
FAITHHATE | |
SORCERYSCIENCE | |
POSITIVENEGATIVE 16481899 | |
PAGESCREEN 19452000 | |
Epilogue | |
DEATHFEMALES LIFE | |
CADMUSALPHA 14 SAPPHOGANYMEDE 15 DIONYSUSAPOLLO | |
ATHENSSPARTA 17 LINGAMYONI | |
BIRTHDEATH | |
YINYANG 20 TAOISMCONFUCIANISM 21 B C A D | |
JESUSCHRIST 23 DEATHREBIRTH 24 PATRIARCHSHERETICS | |
REASONMADNESS 26 ILLITERACYCELIBACY 5001000 | |
MUSLIN VEILSMUSLIM WORDS 28 MYSTICSCHOLASTIC 10001300 | |
HUMANISTEGOIST 13001500 | |
NONVERBALVERBAL 6 CUNEIFORMMARDUK 7 HIEROGLYPHSISIS | |
ALEPHBET 9 HEBREWSISRAELITES 10 ABRAHAMMOSES 11 THERAMATZAH 12 ADAMEVE | |
Bibliography | |
Other editions - View all
The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image Leonard Shlain Limited preview - 1999 |
The Alphabet Versus the Goddess: The Conflict Between Word and Image Leonard Shlain Limited preview - 1999 |
Common terms and phrases
abstract Akhenaton alphabet literacy Anabaptists ancient became began believed birth Buddha burned called Calvin Catholic century B.C. CHAPTER Chinese Christ Christianity Church civilization communication Confucius culture dark death deity Dionysus dominant Egyptian Elaine Pagels electromagnetism Europe European faith father female feminine gender Gnostic God’s Goddess Gospels Greek Hebrews historians Huguenots human hunting Hyksos Ibid icons images invention Islam Israelites Jesus Jewish Jews Karen Armstrong killed king language Lao Tsu left brain linear literate living Luther male Marduk masculine misogyny monotheism Moses mother Muslims myth nature Old Testament one’s Orthodox patriarchy Paul Johnson philosophers Pope priests printing press Protestant Protestant Reformation Reformation religion religious Renaissance right brain right hemisphere rituals Roberto Calasso role Roman sacred sexual society story Taoism television thousand torture values Western witch craze woman women women’s rights worship writing written word wrote Yahweh young Zeus