In ordinary life, it is usually not hard to know who you are and who you used to be. For a small group of children around the world, their knowledge seems to conflict with what modern science believes is possible. On this episode, we tell stories of unusual childhood memories to examine the nature of the self, and what needs to survive in order for a person to survive. We delve into the strange philosophy and science of personal identity, quantum physics, and belief in the afterlife. Guest voices include Barbro Karlen, Dr. Jim Tucker, and philosophers Alyssa Ney and Yuval Avnur.

(Transcript: Episode 6-The Self and Survival)

Please visit our new sponsor, Warby Parker, to help support the show.

Reading List and Soundtrack

Eugene Wigner’s “Remarks on the Mind-Body Question”

Soundtrack

The Press Guy, Borry Drie, by Remus

Hammer and Damper, Union Hall Melody, Tanguedo, Lick Stick, by Blue Dot Sessions

Fog, Tavern, by Sergey Cheremisinov

Behold the Spirit, by the Kyoto Connection

Cheap Suit, by Jason Staczek