Book SummaryThe Secret History of the World, by Mark Booth

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Secret History of the World

In The Secret History of the World, Mark Booth argues that a hidden tradition has shaped human history. This tradition, passed down through secret societies and esoteric teachings, offers a different perspective on the world than mainstream history. Booth claims that this tradition has influenced major historical events and figures, from ancient civilizations to modern times. He suggests that understanding this secret history can help us make sense of the world and our place...

The Secret History of the World Summary Core Principles of This Hidden Tradition

Booth asserts that clandestine groups have preserved an ancient philosophy throughout history. This philosophy holds that mind precedes matter and that the human psyche interacts with the cosmos to affect the physical world. The ancient philosophy began in the schools of Mysteries, which instructed the cultural and political elite in meditation methods. These techniques changed states of consciousness, allowing initiates to perceive the world differently. The teachings from the Mystery schools were closely guarded, and anyone who revealed them to outsiders was executed. During the 3rd century, ancient temples were closed, and Christianity was declared the official religion of the Roman Empire.

(Shortform note: Mainstream historians don’t dispute that temples were closed and Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, but they do dispute the date. In A History of Christianity, Diarmaid MacCulloch explains that the Roman Emperor Theodosius I made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire in the late 4th century. Theodosius I issued the Edict of Thessalonica in 380 CE, which declared Nicene Christianity...

The Secret History of the World Summary Manifestations and Applications of History's Secrets

Booth claims that the purpose of the Great Pyramid's construction was as an incarnation machine to help spirits reincarnate. He explains that the Egyptians believed every human soul journeyed via the celestial orbs to the stars once a person died. The process of embalming and the use of lavish funerary items acted like a magnet, drawing the rising spirit to quickly reincarnate. Preserving the discarded body would keep it as a focal point for the spirit, drawing it back to Earth.

(Shortform note: In Death and Salvation in Ancient Egypt, Jan Assmann explains that the Egyptians believed the body was the only part of the soul that could remain on Earth after death. The other parts of the soul would travel to the stars, but the body would remain in the tomb. The tomb was designed to allow the soul to return to the body, and the body was preserved to allow the soul to return to the body. This suggests that Booth’s theory is plausible.)

In the following sub-sections, we will cover two ideas: Historical Vehicles of Hidden History, and The Counter-Currents and Opposition.

Historical Vehicles of Hidden...

Shortform Exercise: The Mystery Schools and Their Teachings

Consider the role and significance of the Mystery schools in preserving ancient philosophy as discussed in the SummaryText.

How might the belief that "mind precedes matter" influence the way initiates from the Mystery schools perceived their world and themselves?