The 50th Anniversary of Erich von Däniken’s Chariots of the Gods
The 50th Anniversary of Erich von Däniken’s Chariots of the Gods
This month marks the 50th anniversary of Erich von Däniken’s seminal work, Chariots of the God; a book that introduced millions to the novel idea that the deities of ancient religious scripture may have actually been advanced ancient astronauts from another part of the cosmos. Now, after half a century of criticism and scrutiny, von Däniken’s work has stood the test of time, spreading curiosity, wonder, and a message of modesty, that maybe there is more to our reality than we claim to know.
Originally released in 1968 under the title Erinnerungen an die Zukunft, or “Memories of the Future,” von Däniken’s book would be rechristened Chariots of the Gods, after an English publisher read his interpretation of Ezekiel’s vision in the Old Testament.
The title would go on to sell 16 million copies, laying the groundwork for 40 sequels that sold 72 million books worldwide. Von Däniken’s work inspired a number of eminent Hollywood productions, television series, and written works that challenged archeological and theological tenets, much to the chagrin of mainstream scholars.
He prefaced Chariots of the Gods with the sentence, “It took courage to write this book and it will take courage to read it,” knowing he faced detractors who would dismiss his theory as sacrilege.
After Chariots of the Gods found success in its paperback sales, it became the impetus for a television series called In Search of the Ancient Astronauts. The series featured interviews with such names as Carl Sagan and Werner von Braun, and was narrated by Rod Serling and Leonard Nimoy.
This set the stage for the popular, contemporary series Ancient Aliens, on History Channel. And now, the legacy continues with Erich von Däniken: Beyond the Legend, on Gaia; a series dissecting his theory and its implications on modern society.
But despite a lifetime of success, von Däniken continues to fend off cynics, maintaining his intention to instill a sense of humility in scientists and theologians who often believe we are alone, or at the top of the universe’s evolutionary chain.
Over decades of welcomed critique, von Däniken has admitted when he was wrong, revised his ideas when necessary, and accepted adversity when presented to him. And in the face of it all, he remains steadfast in his overarching theory that has found increasing support and evidence to boot.
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Florida Politician Says She Was Abducted by Tall, Blonde Aliens
A candidate currently running for a Congressional seat in Florida said she was abducted by aliens when she was a child, according to old interviews published by the Miami Herald. In the televised discussion, Bettina Rodriguez Aguilera describes being taken up into an unusual spacecraft by three tall, blonde beings who communicated with her telepathically. Was Aguilera describing a visitation from the Nordics?
While the publication of the nearly-10-year-old interview tapes may seem like an attempt to tarnish Aguilera’s image, the Herald actually endorsed her candidacy in a race for the state’s 27th congressional seat; a surprising move when an outspoken belief in extraterrestrial intelligence, let alone abductions, has been historically taboo in politics.
But a wave of acceptance has recently swept the political zeitgeist regarding aliens. Since the New York Times divulged Harry Reid’s involvement in a program studying UFOs, and Hillary Clinton and John Podesta claimed they would release all government documentation of extraterrestrials, the tides seem to be turning when it comes to disclosure of the otherworldly.
