Based on the comments of another community member here, I’ve been recently drawn into a compelling hypothesis that radically opposes our textbook understanding of human origin and evolution. This traces its origin back to the intriguing work of environmentalist Ellis Silver, specifically his book, “Humans are not from Earth.”
In his groundbreaking work, Silver casts humanity in an unusual light, suggesting that we are not the native inhabitants of Earth we believe ourselves to be. Instead, he proposes that we are descendants of a distant extraterrestrial civilization that was banished to this planet, transforming Earth into a form of cosmic Alcatraz.
Silver’s hypothesis relies heavily on several unique quirks and ailments that are surprisingly prevalent in humans. These peculiarities have led him to question whether we are indeed as ‘native’ to this planet as we assume. Here are some of the crucial points he raises:
1. Chronic Backaches: One of Silver’s arguments points to the widespread issue of backaches in humans, which he attributes to our upright posture in an environment with a gravitational pull that could be higher than where we originally evolved. He hypothesizes that our skeletal structure might have adapted to a lower gravity environment, leading to various back-related issues when confronted with Earth’s stronger gravitational pull.
2. Sun Sensitivity: He also comments on the human susceptibility to sunburn, highlighting how our eyes are less adapted to bright light compared to other species. This could imply that we may have originated from a planet with a dimmer sun.
3. Chronic Illnesses: Silver notes the high prevalence of chronic disease among humans compared to other animals. He speculates that this could indicate our biology is not fully adapted to this environment, hinting at an extraterrestrial origin.
4. Discomfort with Natural Foods: Silver remarks on our apparent need for extensively processed and cooked foods, which is unlike any other species on Earth. This, he argues, might be another sign of our ‘alien’ nature.
These are intriguing points, and while the mainstream scientific community has not embraced Silver’s hypothesis, it’s interesting to explore.
Furthermore, Silver’s idea is not the only hypothesis that suggests an ‘alien’ origin for humanity. The author Zecharia Sitchin proposed based on his interpretations of ancient Sumerian texts, that humans might be a genetically engineered species. Created by the Anunnaki, a supposed race of extraterrestrials, to work as slaves.
Silver’s hypothesis, while challenging the scientific consensus, forces us to confront some existential questions. If Earth is indeed a cosmic penal colony, who are our wardens? Could an advanced civilization be observing our progress from a distance? Is our relentless drive towards space exploration a manifestation of our innate desire to return home?
It’s essential to remember that our understanding of the universe is continually evolving. What we regard as outlandish speculation today could be the accepted truth of tomorrow. So, share your thoughts. Even if we do not find answers, the questions we ask might bring us closer to understanding our place in this vast cosmic arena.
I don’t find any of these points to be that convincing. There are plenty of creatures with sun sensitivity or even no eyes at all. Blind molerats have grown flesh over their eyes.
Horses and other hoofed animals will have their hooves grow indefinitely if not properly trimmed or worn down. Horned animals can have their horns grow into their own skulls. Bodies were not made with perfection in mind, it seems they operate off of the “good enough” principle and do not take edge cases into mind.
Likewise, plenty of organisms suffer many illnesses. That is in no way unique to mankind. Many illnesses are caused by smaller forms of life, and even more still by the unique matter known as viruses. I think it is important to keep an open mind, but I also think it is equally important to remember past discoveries and what brought us to consider those as fact.
I’m in 100% agreement with you. Even under slight scrutiny, the theory falls apart. There are plenty of plausible explanations for each of Silvers points.
I haven’t read the book but wasn’t one of his points that the original humans came to earth and bred with neanderthals? I think in most conspiracy theories involving human evolution there exists some level of breeding humans with something else. Though a lot of his points can be hand waved away and explained by the fact that evolution isn’t a perfect omniscience system that grantee’s the best result in a given solution space.
Yes, I think the theory is; banished here. Interbred with Neanderthals.
It seems just an attempt to reconcile our obvious terrestrial evolution with his own theories.
I’ve not seen any compelling evidence for Silvers theory. But interesting to go down that thought path.