Terminal lucidity is a relatively common but poorly understood phenomenon. Near the end of life, many people—including those who have suffered brain injuries or strokes, or have been silenced by mental illness or deep dementia—experience what seems a miraculous return. They regain their clarity and energy, are able to talk with families and caregivers, recall their lives and often appear to be aware of their nearing death. In this remarkable audiobook, cognitive scientist and Director of the Viktor Frankl Institute Dr. Alexander Batthyány offers the first major account of terminal lucidity, utilizing hundreds of case studies and his research in the related field of near-death studies to explore the mind, the body, the nature of consciousness, and what the living can learn from those who are crossing the border from life to death. Astonishing, authoritative, and deeply moving, Threshold opens a doorway into one of life's—and death's—most provocative mysteries. A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press Essentials.
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" "Threshold weaves together the astonishing phenomenon of terminal lucidity and remarkable death-bed experiences, with keen reflections from the perspectives of the neurosciences and existential philosophy. In so doing, author Alexander Batthyany challenges our most basic understandings of life, death, and consciousness. This compelling journey through the mysteries of the mind transcends the boundaries of biological materialism, and it underscores the profound value of individuality and human dignity. Highly recommended."
— Dean Radin, PhD, Chief Scientist, Institute of Noetic Sciences, and author of Real Magic
“This is a terrific book. Dr. Batthyany has created an enlightening examination of the phenomenon that is very familiar to those who care for the terminally ill and their families. Threshold should have a positive effect on the care of the terminally ill.
— Dr. Raymond Moody, author of Life After LifeCaptivating... This engaging examination of consciousness in the borderland between life and death explores our sense of self, how our identities are tied to our bodies, and what happens when those links are severed. Threshold is guaranteed to challenge your concepts of who you are.
— Bruce Greyson, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, and author of After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal about Life and BeyondRemarkable...[Threshold] has spectacular, shattering, and life-changing implications and consequences.
— Peter Kreeft, PhD, Professor of Philosophy, Boston College, author of Love Is Stronger Than Death, Heaven, the Heart's Deepest Longing, and Everything You Wanted to Know About Heaven"In his groundbreaking book, Threshold, Alexander Batthyany skillfully and magically describes the mystery and miracle of terminal lucidity, raising the existential question about what exactly is “self” and what happens after one's journey of life reaches its completion.
— Dr. Rudolph E. Tanzi, New York Times bestselling author of Super Brain and The Healing SelfIn a world where science has become reductionist in its scope, Threshold reminds us that our lives have deep meanings which defy quantification and which are essential to our physical and emotional well being.
— Dr. Jay Lombard, author of Mind of God and Neuroscience and the Search for the Soul[Batthyany's] in-depth, thoughtful investigation of a perennially fascinating phenomenon will garner interest.
— Publishers WeeklyBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Eric Meyers, an Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator, is a well-known character actor and voice artist. His film credits include Entrapment, Snatch, and 1408. He has created many voices for animation, including Henry the Lizard on the hit television series Amazing Animals. He is often heard narrating documentary films on the Discovery Channel and National Geographic.