Hallucinations

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Have you ever experienced something that wasn’t really there, like hearing your name in an empty house or sensing someone behind you? Hallucinations are not exclusive to the insane; they often arise from sensory deprivation, intoxication, illness, or injury. For instance, individuals with migraines may see shimmering lights or tiny figures, while those with failing eyesight might enter a vivid hallucinatory realm. Simple fevers or the act of waking or falling asleep can trigger visions, ranging from colorful blobs to detailed faces or frightening figures. Bereaved individuals may even feel the presence of lost loved ones. In some cases, hallucinations can lead to profound religious experiences or sensations of leaving one’s body. Throughout history, humans have sought transformative visions, often using hallucinogenic substances to achieve them. In the 1960s, a young doctor in California, Oliver Sacks, developed a deep interest in psychedelics, influenced by his own migraine experiences. This sparked a lifelong exploration of hallucinatory experiences. With his characteristic elegance and compassion, Dr. Sacks shares stories from his patients and his own mind-altering encounters, revealing what hallucinations reveal about brain structure, their impact on culture, and their intrinsic role in the human experience.