The Third Man Syndrome

Personal Accounts of Third Man Syndrome

Many people all around the world have reported hearing an encouraging voice or even having a stranger help them only for them to inexplicably disappear.

Here are a few well-known examples of personal accounts of the third man factor:

T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia): British Army officer T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, reported experiencing the third man factor while leading Arab forces against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. He described hearing a voice that offered encouragement and advice during difficult times.
George S. Patton: American general George S. Patton reported hearing a mysterious voice during World War II that gave him guidance and inspiration.
Sir Ernest Shackleton: British explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton described hearing a mysterious voice during his failed expedition to cross Antarctica. He reported that the voice offered encouragement and helped him to keep going despite the challenges he faced.
Neil Armstrong: American astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, reported experiencing the third man factor during his historic space mission. He described hearing a voice that offered encouragement and guidance as he took his first steps on the lunar surface.
In his 1988 book "Touching the Void", mountain climber Joe Simpson documented a similar experience he had while climbing in the Peruvian Andes. Simpson recalls a voice that gave him encouragement and direction as he made his way back to base camp after a severe leg injury and a fall from a cliff into a crevasse.

In some accounts people report not just hearing a “third man” but even seeing someone appear from no where to help them and then disappear again.

The Butterfly People of Joplin were a widespread example of this phenomenon during a deadly tornado in Joplin, Missouri in 2011. There were several report of children who claimed they were helped during the disaster by “angels”.

These are just a few examples of the many personal accounts of the third man factor. It is a fascinating phenomenon that continues to capture the imagination of people around the world.

An interview with John Geiger about the third man factor.

Possible Explanations for the Third Man Factor

There are several possible explanations for the third man factor, including both spiritual and scientific explanations.

Spiritual explanations:

Divine intervention: Some people believe that the third man factor is evidence of divine intervention, and that the voice heard during intense situations is a message from a higher power offering guidance and encouragement.
Guardian angel: Others believe that the third man factor is evidence of the presence of a guardian angel, who is offering protection and guidance during difficult times.

Scientific explanations:

Auditory hallucinations: Some researchers suggest that the third man factor may be a form of auditory hallucination, brought on by the brain's attempt to cope with extreme stress or fear.
Cognitive processing: Other researchers propose that the third man factor may be a manifestation of the human brain's tendency to seek out patterns and meaning, even in the face of extreme stress or uncertainty.
Psychogenic explanation: Some experts believe that the third man factor may be a psychogenic experience, triggered by the stress and trauma of the situation, which causes the brain to perceive a voice that isn't actually there.

These are just a few of the many possible explanations for the third man factor. It is a complex and fascinating phenomenon, and the exact cause is still not well understood.

Have you ever experienced anything like the third man factor? Let us know in the comments.

If you enjoyed this article you may also be interested in spooky cases of twin telepathy or the mysterious warning appearing on tv before a deadly train crash.