The Third Man Factor, Chapter One: "Who is the third who walks always beside you?"

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Dec 11, 2024

What happens when people face life-threatening situations? They often report feeling a mysterious presence urging them to persevere. This phenomenon, known as the 'Third Man Factor,' ties into cultural beliefs like guardian angels and divine intervention. The hosts explore riveting historical examples, like Shackleton's harrowing journey. They dissect the psychological implications of these experiences, blurring the lines between science and spirituality, while inviting reflections on companionship in moments of profound crisis.

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ANECDOTE

Shackleton's Antarctic Expedition

Ernest Shackleton's ship, Endurance, was trapped in Antarctic ice for two years.
He and two companions trekked to a whaling station, crediting their survival to an unseen fourth traveler.

ANECDOTE

Slocum's Seafaring Savior

In 1895, Joshua Slocum, while sailing and severely ill, saw a tall man manning his ship's wheel during a storm.
Slocum believes this figure guided his ship to safety.

ANECDOTE

Smythe's Everest Experience

Frank Smythe, attempting to summit Everest in 1933, was accompanied by a felt presence.
This presence eliminated his loneliness and encouraged him, even though he was alone.

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South

Ernest Shackleton

The book chronicles the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-1917, led by Sir Ernest Shackleton. It describes the expedition's ambitious plan to cross the Antarctic continent, the catastrophic loss of their ship, the Endurance, and the subsequent survival journey across treacherous seas and icy landscapes. The narrative includes the heroic efforts of Shackleton and his crew, as well as the scientific work and other aspects of the expedition. The book also reflects on the broader context of World War I and its impact on the expedition members.

The waste land

T. S. Eliot

The Waste Land is a 434-line poem divided into five sections: 'The Burial of the Dead', 'A Game of Chess', 'The Fire Sermon', 'Death by Water', and 'What the Thunder Said'. It is a complex and erudite work that incorporates numerous allusions to mythology, classical literature, and religious texts. The poem reflects the spiritual disillusionment and moral decay of the Western world after World War I, portraying a sterile and fragmented society. It was initially met with controversy due to its innovative and often obscure style but has since become a central work in the modernist canon[2][3][4].

Sailing Alone Around the World

Joshua Slocum

This classic travel narrative recounts Joshua Slocum's historic solo circumnavigation of the globe. Setting off from Boston in April 1895, Slocum sailed over 46,000 miles, visiting various ports and facing numerous challenges such as storms, loneliness, and encounters with indigenous peoples. The book is a detailed and entertaining account of his adventures, highlighting his maritime skills, determination, and the unique experiences of solitary sailing.

The third man factor

Surviving the Impossible

John Geiger

The Third Man Factor explores the phenomenon where individuals under extreme duress, such as adventurers, explorers, and survivors of traumatic events, report sensing an unseen presence that offers hope, protection, and guidance. This book, based on six years of physiological, psychological, and historical research, includes compelling stories from survivors like Ron DiFrancesco, Ernest Shackleton, and Jerry Linenger. It delves into the explanations for this phenomenon, ranging from hallucination to divine intervention, and presents recent neurological research findings.