Why People Sense an Invisible Presence in Extreme Situations

Why do people in extreme situations report feeling an invisible, guiding presence? In this episode of Mind Theory, we dive into the mysterious Third Man Syndrome—a phenomenon where individuals facing life-threatening conditions, such as explorers, mountaineers, or sailors, sense an unseen companion providing comfort or guidance. First reported by Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, this experience has fascinated researchers and led to numerous theories, from survival mechanisms to bicameral mentality, and even potential spiritual interpretations. Tune in as we explore the psychology and neuroscience behind this strange yet captivating phenomenon.