Author hints that although the enlightenment narrative of a "Greek miracle" holds a strong bias in modern minds, the true origin of philosophy remains shrouded in mysticism. The possibility exists that human civilizations could indeed be much older than the timelines suggested by current archaeological evidence. Indeed if one were to ask certain Hindu devotees about the origin date of the Vedas, you may be surprised to find the response: "They are Timeless!"

A not-quite-painless but no less stimulating intro to Ancient Indian Materialism:

http://www.iep.utm.edu/indmat/