Summary
Overview
Josh and Chuck explore the Third Man Syndrome, a phenomenon where people in life-threatening situations sense an unseen presence guiding and comforting them. From Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expedition to 9/11 survivors, this episode examines historical accounts of this mysterious experience and theories about why it occurs, including the possibility of a hardwired survival instinct or vestigial bicameral mind phenomenon.
Introduction to Third Man Syndrome
The hosts introduce the Third Man Syndrome, a weird phenomenon where people in dire situations sense another person's presence with them. Despite the name, it doesn't always involve a literal third person and should technically be called 'third-person syndrome.' The sensation is described as being remarkably tangible and real, not just a vague feeling, but rather the exact same type of awareness you'd have if someone were actually sitting next to you.
- Third Man Syndrome is a phenomenon where someone in dire straits senses another presence with them
- Most commonly reported by mountaineers or people lost in wilderness, but not always
- The feeling is tangible and real, like actually sensing someone sitting next to you
- Author John Geiger changed 'syndrome' to 'factor' in his book but it's typically called Third Man Syndrome
" It's not like this weird kind of like thought a little bit here or there. It's like sensing another presence. "
Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic Expedition
Ernest Shackleton's 1914-15 British expedition to Antarctica provided the first documented case of Third Man Syndrome. After his ship was crushed by ice, Shackleton and his crew endured four months on ice, a six-day row to Elephant Island, an 800-mile journey to South Georgia Island, and a final 36-hour trek on foot. During this last push, when they had reached the limit of their endurance, Shackleton and his two companions all independently sensed a fourth person with them.
- Shackleton's ship got trapped and crushed by sea ice in 1914-15 during his third attempt to reach the South Pole
- After four months on ice, they rowed six days to reach Elephant Island
- Shackleton and two men made an 800-mile journey to South Georgia Island, taking 16 days
- They landed on the wrong side and had to trek 18 miles on foot for 36 hours
- During the final push, all three men sensed a fourth person with them, though Shackleton didn't reveal this until his 1919 book 'South'
" They made it. They rowed for six days before they reached Elephant Island, which was great. They weren't on the ice anymore, but they were on a deserted island. "
📚 4 more sections below
Sign up to unlock the complete summary with all insights, key points, and quotes
Get this summary + all future Stuff You Should Know episodes in your inbox
100% Free • Unsubscribe Anytime
Sign up now and we'll send you the complete summary of this episode, plus get notified when new Stuff You Should Know episodes are released—delivered straight to your inbox within minutes.