The Alphabet Versus the Goddess

The Conflict Between Word and Image

By: Leonard Shlain

Narrated by: Norman Dietz

Length: 24 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Who changed the sex of God?

This 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.

©1998 Leonard Shlain (P)2017 Tantor

Fascinating

Possibly the most interesting non fiction book I've ever read! Buying copies to give out.

Fantastic

If only more people would listen :|
What a brilliant man.
And no more cursive. What’s next :(

Great Reads

Amazing book great amount of study into the history of the world ....gives amazing detail

Excellent! Well organized. Only a man who cares about women and women’s history could write such a work. Thanks Dr. Schlain

Do you have an estimated time of arrival at the truth? From the beginning female deities were worshipped. This tome describes what happened to them—and what happened to us.

Listened, then invested in a hard copy for my library

It clearly explained an amazing concept and provided a good review of history and world religions

The narrating voice does not match the content

While the book was written from the male perspective, a female voice would be ideal. The narrators inflections do not hold my attention.

more relevant than ever

Although the irony of having a male narrator for this book and having it printed using (of course) the alphabet was not lost on me; I still found this information very relevant and extremely important for all women everywhere.

Well worth listening to....

I read this book years ago, and decided to retake it in again via listening.... This work puts an incredible insight into the blessing and the curse that is written word.... From start to finish, this book highlights many things from history till now that showcase how the logos(alphabet) has supplanted idols(imagery)..... I'm glad I listened to this....

powerful. informative. perspective shift.

It has been a pleasure to listen to this book. Except for the moments of degrading realization ... those were painful, yet heart opening and insightful. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Especially if you are interested in the study of duality and how that informs our relationships with each other and all of life. This book is a bridge.

I hope everyone on the planet listens to this book.

I read a written copy of this book 5 or 6 years ago; it influenced me tremendously at the time. But the central thesis of this book is the written word focuses the left brain into linear sequential thinking as opposed to holistic perceiving which is the specialty of the right hemisphere of the brain.
I have listen to this book primarily while standing at my easel painting and I have managed to retain more of the ideas because it’s coming into my ear as opposed to my eye.
This is not a perfect audiobook, but it is an incredibly great book. There are probably some things we have learned from Robert Sapolsky regarding the behavior of primates that would call and question some of Leonard Shlain’s Notion‘s about the formation of armies and bands of Brothers nonetheless I believe his central Thesis is correct. If you look at the rise of Twitter and Facebook and the resurgence of linear script and its ability to bring about irrational madness I think it’s further evidence of the truth of his thesis.

We must take the creation of new images and the importance of images more seriously than ever. And I believe that is a discussion regarding female beauty and it’s power
controlled by women, as opposed to the accusations of beauty as an invention of the patriarchy is a worthwhile discussion in light of this book’s historic examination of gender relationships.

Get this book, listen to this book, talk about these ideas with everyone you know. Focus on images go to museums look at pictures, think about the women in your life that you love and respect, and whose well-being you wish to ensure. Every single one of us was born of woman.