Short Stuff: Third Man Syndrome
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, the hosts explore "Third Man Syndrome," a phenomenon where people in life-threatening situations perceive an invisible presence guiding them to safety. First documented by Ernest Shackleton during his Antarctic expedition in 1914-1915, this experience has been reported by numerous survivors throughout history, from mountaineers on Everest to people escaping the 9/11 attacks.
The hosts examine possible explanations for Third Man Syndrome, including the "bicameral mind" theory, which suggests early humans perceived their inner dialogue as external voices from gods. They also discuss the possibility that this phenomenon represents a built-in stress response mechanism that provides psychological support during extreme situations, helping people survive when they need it most.
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History and Origins of Third Man Syndrome
The Third Man Syndrome, a phenomenon where people in extreme situations sense an unseen presence guiding them, was first documented by Ernest Shackleton during his 1914-1915 Antarctic expedition. While leading a desperate rescue mission across treacherous seas, Shackleton and his companions experienced the sensation of a fourth presence offering encouragement. The term itself comes from T.S. Eliot's 1922 poem "The Wasteland," though Eliot was unclear about its inspiration.
Examples of Third Man Syndrome
Throughout history, numerous survivors have reported experiencing this mysterious presence. In 1933, English mountaineer Frank Smythe felt it so strongly during his solo Everest attempt that he offered food to his invisible companion. Joe Simpson, while trapped in the Peruvian Andes in 1985, followed a guiding voice to safety, as documented in his book "Touching the Void."
The phenomenon has appeared in modern times as well. During the 9/11 attacks, survivors Ron DiFrancesco and Janelle Guzman McMillan both reported being guided to safety by unseen presences. In another instance, a geologist experiencing a life-threatening cave diving situation was guided to safety by what felt like the presence of her recently deceased husband.
Causes or Explanations for Third Man Syndrome
Josh Clark suggests that the "bicameral mind" theory might explain this phenomenon. This theory, proposed by Julian Jaynes, suggests that early humans perceived their inner dialogue as external voices from gods due to their different consciousness structure. Chuck Bryant offers another perspective, suggesting that Third Man Syndrome might be a hardwired stress response, providing psychological comfort and guidance during life-threatening situations.
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Clarifications
- Ernest Shackleton was a British explorer known for his leadership in Antarctic expeditions. His 1914-1915 expedition, called the Endurance expedition, aimed to cross Antarctica but became famous for its survival story after the ship was trapped and crushed by ice. Shackleton and his crew endured extreme conditions, demonstrating remarkable resilience and leadership. This expedition is significant as a symbol of human endurance and teamwork in the face of disaster.
- T.S. Eliot's "The Wasteland" is a modernist poem published in 1922 that explores themes of disillusionment and cultural decay after World War I. It uses fragmented imagery and multiple voices to depict a world in spiritual crisis. The poem references a "third" figure who offers companionship in desolation, inspiring the term "Third Man Syndrome." Eliot's work is complex and symbolic, reflecting the fractured state of society at the time.
- Julian Jaynes was a psychologist who proposed the bicameral mind theory in the 1970s. He argued that early humans' brains operated with two separate chambers, where one "spoke" and the other obeyed, causing people to experience thoughts as external voices. This theory suggests that ancient humans interpreted these voices as commands from gods or spirits. Jaynes believed this mental structure changed as language and consciousness evolved.
- Joe Simpson is a British mountaineer known for his harrowing survival story in the Peruvian Andes. In 1985, he fell and broke his leg during a climb, becoming trapped and isolated. His book "Touching the Void" details his struggle to survive and the psychological challenges he faced. The story highlights extreme endurance and the role of mental resilience in life-threatening situations.
- Third Man Syndrome may involve the brain's response to extreme stress, activating areas linked to social cognition and self-awareness. This can create vivid hallucinations or the sensation of a presence to help reduce fear and loneliness. Neurologically, it might engage the temporoparietal junction, which processes the distinction between self and others. These experiences can serve as coping mechanisms to maintain mental stability in life-threatening situations.
- The term "Third Man Syndrome" refers to the sensation of an unseen companion during extreme situations, originally described as a "third man" alongside two actual people. In Shackleton's case, although he and his companions felt a "fourth presence," the phenomenon was named for the extra presence beyond the known individuals, not the exact number. The name stuck because it captures the idea of an additional, supportive presence beyond those physically present. It emphasizes the psychological experience rather than a precise headcount of perceived entities.
- Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant are hosts of the popular podcast "Stuff You Should Know," where they explore various topics, including psychological phenomena like Third Man Syndrome. They discuss theories and explanations to make complex subjects accessible to a general audience. Their perspectives often blend scientific research with storytelling to engage listeners. They are not original researchers but communicators who summarize existing knowledge.
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History and Origins of Third Man Syndrome
The phenomenon known as the Third Man Syndrome has intrigued both adventurers and scholars, but its origins are rooted in early 20th-century exploratory lore and literary reference.
Shackleton's 1914-1915 Expedition: Early Case of Third Man Syndrome, an Unseen Guide
Ernest Shackleton was one of the first to document the experience of the Third Man Syndrome during his ill-fated British expedition to Antarctica in 1914-1915. Shackleton's ship, the Endurance, was caught and ultimately crushed by sea ice, forcing him and his crew to abandon it. They camped on the floating ice for months.
After the ice floes broke up enough, Shackleton and the crew made a grueling six-day journey in a whaling boat to reach Elephant Island. From there, in a desperate attempt to get help, Shackleton and a few men embarked on an 800-mile journey across treacherous seas to South Georgia Island. During the final leg of their quest for rescue, Shackleton and two other men experienced the sensation of a fourth member being present, an unseen guide who offered encouragement, despite there being only three of them. They all sensed the comforting presence of an additional person as they reached the limits of their physical and mental endurance.
T.S. Eliot's 'The Wasteland' (1922) Coined 'Third Man Syndrome,' T ...
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History and Origins of Third Man Syndrome
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Actionables
- You can explore the concept of the Third Man Syndrome by journaling your feelings during challenging tasks. As you face difficult situations, whether it's a strenuous workout or a tough day at work, take a moment afterward to write down any sensations of external support or presence you felt. This can help you become more aware of your psychological responses to stress and possibly identify your own "Third Man" experiences.
- Create a personal "Third Man" mantra for moments of high stress or challenge. Choose a phrase or word that embodies encouragement and support, and repeat it to yourself during tough times. This could simulate the comforting presence that the Third Man Syndrome describes, potentially providing psychological relief when you need it most.
- Engage in a visualization exercise where you imagine a su ...
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Examples of Third Man Syndrome
Extraordinary stories of survival often include accounts of a mysterious presence aiding individuals in dire situations, a phenomenon known as "Third Man Syndrome". Here are a few notable instances.
During 1933 Solo Everest Attempt, Mountaineer Frank Smythe Sensed a Second Presence, Even Offering Unseen Person Food
Frank Smythe, an English mountaineer, made a solo attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1933. During his climb, Smythe sensed the presence of someone accompanying him so vividly that he even offered food to this unseen companion. It was only when he realized no one else was present that he understood it was his mind creating the sensation of a second presence.
Mountain Climber Joe Simpson and His Invisible Guide
Joe Simpson, Trapped In the Peruvian Andes In 1985, Obeyed a Guiding Voice to Safety, as Documented In "Touching the Void"
Joe Simpson's harrowing tale of survival is chronicled in his book "Touching the Void". In 1985, Simpson was climbing in the Peruvian Andes when he broke his leg. Faced with an almost certain death, he claims a voice emerged that not only provided encouragement but also gave him clear directions on how to escape the perilous situation, ultimately leading him to safety.
9/11 Survivors and the Unseen Presences
Ron DiFrancesco and Janelle Guzman McMillan Recount Being Guided To Safety by an Unseen Presence
Ron DiFrancesco, who survived the 9/11 attack on the South Tower, recalls being guided to safety by what felt like an invisible force. Amid flames and chaos, an urging presence led him down to safety, making him the last person to exit the tower bef ...
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Examples of Third Man Syndrome
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Clarifications
- Third Man Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where people in extreme stress sense an unseen presence offering comfort or guidance. It often occurs during life-threatening situations like mountaineering, disasters, or accidents. Scientists believe it may be the brain's coping mechanism to reduce fear and loneliness. The "third man" is not a real person but a mental construct aiding survival.
- Frank Smythe's 1933 Everest attempt was one of the early serious efforts to climb the mountain, contributing valuable knowledge about high-altitude climbing. At that time, Everest had not yet been summited, making any solo attempt especially dangerous and pioneering. Smythe's experience helped advance mountaineering techniques and understanding of the mountain's challenges. His sensation of a second presence during this historic climb adds a psychological dimension to the extreme conditions faced.
- Joe Simpson fell during a descent and broke his leg badly, leaving him stranded in a remote, high-altitude area. He was unable to walk and faced extreme cold, dehydration, and the risk of death. His climbing partner attempted to lower him down the mountain but accidentally left him for dead. Simpson then crawled and dragged himself back to base camp over several days, enduring severe physical and mental challenges.
- The 9/11 attacks occurred on September 11, 2001, when terrorists hijacked airplanes and crashed them into the World Trade Center's Twin Towers in New York City. The South Tower was the second tower hit but collapsed first, followed by the North Tower. Thousands of people were trapped inside, leading to massive casualties and heroic rescue efforts. The attacks profoundly impacted global security policies and led to the U.S. War on Terror.
- Ron DiFrancesco was a worker in the South Tower of the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attacks. Janelle Guzman McMillan was a survivor trapped in the North Tower's rubble after the collapse. Both are known for their accounts of experiencing guiding presences during the disaster. Their stories highlight personal survival experiences amid the tragedy.
- Sensing a deceased loved one during life-threatening situations is often linked to the brain's coping mechanisms under extreme stress. This experience may arise from heightened emotional states, memor ...
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Causes or Explanations for the Third Man Syndrome
The Third Man Syndrome continues to fascinate due to its appearance in extreme survival situations, but its origins and mechanics within the human psyche remain elusive. Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark discuss potential explanations for this mysterious phenomenon.
"Bicameral Mind" Theory Links Third Man Syndrome To Early Consciousness, Positing "Gods" As Parts of Unconscious Minds
Josh Clark introduces the concept of the "bicameral mind," referencing Julian Jaynes's hypothesis that early humans perceived their inner dialogue as external voices from gods, due to the lack of an evolved modern consciousness. This ancient mental configuration, Clarke suggests, might explain the Third Man Syndrome experienced by survivors, indicating that these sensed presences are vestigial echoes from our historical mental processes.
Hypothesis: Third Man Syndrome Is a Hardwired Stress Response, Offering Psychological Comfort and Guidance
Expanding on the premise of intrinsic psychological processes, Chuck Bryant considers the Third Man Syndrome to be a hardwired instinct, a ...
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Causes or Explanations for the Third Man Syndrome
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Counterarguments
- The "bicameral mind" theory is not widely accepted in contemporary psychology and neuroscience; it is considered speculative and lacks empirical evidence.
- The interpretation of the Third Man Syndrome as a vestigial echo of an ancient mental process is a hypothesis that may oversimplify the complexity of the human brain and its evolution.
- The idea that the Third Man Syndrome is a hardwired stress response could be challenged by suggesting that it might instead be a byproduct of complex cognitive and psychological processes that are not necessarily innate or adaptive.
- The notion that the Third Man Syndrome offers psychological comfort and guidance could be countered by arguing that it may sometimes lead to confusion or distress, depending on the individual's mental state and the context of the situation.
- The claim that the Third Man Syndrome is rooted in the fundamental structure of human consciousnes ...
Actionables
- You can explore your own mind's response to stress by journaling during challenging times to see if you experience anything similar to the Third Man Syndrome. When you're facing a tough situation, write down your thoughts and feelings. Notice if you feel a presence or hear an inner voice offering guidance, which could be a personal manifestation of this phenomenon.
- Develop a creative writing exercise where you invent a "Third Man" character to accompany you through an imagined stressful scenario. This can help you understand how the brain might conjure a supportive presence. Write a short story where this character provides advice and comfort, and reflect on how this process feels.
- Practice mindfulness meditation focused on ...
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