The Man Who Wasn’t There explores the mysteries of the human sense of self through the lens of cutting-edge neuroscience and real-life case studies. Anil Ananthaswamy takes readers on a fascinating journey into the minds of individuals experiencing conditions such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, autism, Cotard’s syndrome, and out-of-body experiences—each shedding light on the profound question of what it means to be “you.”
Through in-depth interviews and compelling storytelling, Ananthaswamy reveals how disruptions in the brain can alter or even erase one’s sense of self. From a man who cut off his leg to another who believed he was already dead, these astonishing cases challenge our understanding of consciousness and identity.
Blending science with human experience, The Man Who Wasn’t There uncovers the latest research on how memory, perception, and brain function shape our personal narratives. In the end, the book poses an unsettling yet awe-inspiring question: is the self truly located in the brain, or is it something more elusive?
