The World Ages in Myth and Science

The World Ages in Myth and Science

The concept that time is cyclical in nature pervades the beliefs of most cultures worldwide. Even those cultures who believe there is a definite beginning and apocalyptic end to the universe believe in a rebirth of some sort. Many cultures that lack even thisbelief have some notion of the ―fall of man.‖ This notion of an idyllic ―golden age‖ in thepast usually holds that humans in the remote past lived longer and more peacefully. Through successive ages, each worse than the last, humans have sunk to their present state. Eventually, humans may rise again to attain the golden age. Though most suchbeliefs may be nostalgic, psychological ―wishful thinking,‖ there may be firmer foundation for these beliefs. This paper analyzes the concept of ―world ages‖ in ancientSumerian, Judeo-Christian, Greek, Roman, Irish, Norse, Indian and Mayan accounts. In addition, it explores connections among these accounts and examines recent scholarship in the field. Finally, it asks whether there is a possible scientific basis for these views, such as a connection with the precession of the equinoxes, an astronomical cycle of theearth‘s axis lasting approximately 26,000 years.