A excellent read about the entrance of ego into society and how it has affected us today. I highly recommend this fine body of work. The author documents how ancient civilizations functioned without ego and where ego came into play today to ruin our society. I found it ground breaking. This is a book I will read over and over again. Very thought provoking. The historical viewpoints and research is exemplary . Every student should read this book in history classes.

Looking at so many variables that impacted change in the way humankind responds as individuals, as community, and regarding spirituality, your thoughts and observations will not be the same after consuming these ideas.
I accepted this book via Netgalley to review.

This is not a book you can race through. It is heavy, at times a bit dismal and dreary. The thoughts and arguments are well thought out, presented and supported.
It is actually fascinating reading.

The prose comes across as a textbook, or college level lecture. Although there were concepts and historical facts that I found myself thinking, "We learned about this in grade school" but as an adult the implications are so much more powerful!

Looking at so many variables that impacted change in the way humankind responds as individuals, as community, and regarding spirituality, your thoughts and observations will not be the same after consuming these ideas.

A perfect addition to the list of recommended reading for my A-level students. Not only do they look at ego, but the gender dynamics that can be traced back to the fall.

The Fall by Steve Taylor
Review by Dawn Thomas

352 Pages
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing Ltd
Release Date: June 29, 2018

Historical, Cultural, Ancient Civilizations, Modern Civilizations, Sociology

This is an amazing book. I had many eye-opening moments while reading. The author discusses how the ancient people were peaceful until about 6,000 years ago. He provides historical information that details “The Fall” and the differences between the pre-Fall and after-Fall civilizations.

The author explains how the indigenous people lived closer to the land and more in harmony than modern civilizations. They respected each other and the land as opposed to modern man trying to outdo each other. He discusses the possibility for the change from peaceful non-hierarchal societies to male dominated societies. Mr. Taylor also talks about the Ego Explosion when some societies moved away from the land and developed aggression.

The Fall was originally published in September 2005. The information is still as relevant now as it was when it was written. I found the book very interesting. The author’s writing style presented the information in an easy to understand format. This is a book I will read over again. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in ancient civilizations or anyone who would like to change the current way of life.

I don't know that I am clever enough to do this book justice. It is an eminently interesting and accessible read documenting the rise of the ego within the human mind, explaining how different peoples lived peacefully side by side in a manner we now all need to work towards individually and documents the events that led to fear, hatred and ultimately wars.

A fascinating book that I totally recommend so thanks to Netgalley for introducing me to Steve Taylor's work.

Probably one of the most important books ever written describing the fall from grace of the human spirit. And the hope that we are approaching the end of this difficult period in our existence.

The premise is that certain events in our history 8,000 years ago brought about a significant change in our persona - a greatly developed sense of ego, which has been the cause of war, sexism, hatred and of course our competitiveness which has caused so much misery to ourselves (apart, obviously for the "winners" in the competition of life).

The book ultimately does provide a grain of hope that we are entering a new chapter of tolerance, and a slow demise in ego-led thinking. Witness across the world measures to end sexism.

Is this book a great read? Only if you want deep detail. To be honest I found it fascinating, long winded and tedious on bad days. On good days? I admired the depth of information, the deep insights and the summarisation of hope at the end. Hence, the four rather than five stars.

As another reviewer has forlornly stated, will this book make any difference to the world and ourselves? It's not a self help book, it conveys no 10 steps to world peace crap. But that's maybe a good thing - it isn't to be taken lightly and not attract those interested in light entertainment.

Persevere with it. You will learn a lot.