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Phenomena

Phenomena

The Secret History of the U.S. Government's Investigations into Extrasensory Perception and Psychokinesis
by Annie Jacobsen 2017 544 pages
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Key Takeaways

1. The U.S. Government's Decades-Long Pursuit of the Paranormal

This is a book about scientists and psychics with top-secret clearances.

Government interest. From the ashes of World War II and throughout the Cold War, the U.S. government harbored a deep interest in anomalous mental phenomena, including extrasensory perception (ESP) and psychokinesis (PK). Driven by the fear of Soviet advances in these fields, the U.S. military and intelligence agencies embarked on classified programs to explore the potential of psychic abilities for military and espionage applications.

Pseudoscience or strategic advantage? The government's pursuit of the paranormal was fraught with controversy, as the scientific community largely rejected ESP and PK as pseudoscience. Despite the lack of a theoretical understanding, the potential military and intelligence advantages of these abilities, such as remote viewing and mind control, fueled decades of classified research.

The sheep-goat divide. The belief or disbelief in anomalous mental phenomena created a divide within the U.S. military and intelligence communities, with "sheep" (believers) advocating for further research and "goats" (skeptics) questioning the validity and practicality of such endeavors. This division shaped the trajectory of government-sponsored psychic research and continues to influence the debate surrounding the existence and potential applications of ESP and PK.

2. The Early Pioneers: Puharich and the Round Table Foundation

Understanding the nature of man’s consciousness is my lifelong quest.

Andrija Puharich's vision. Dr. Andrija Puharich, a medical doctor and researcher, became a central figure in the U.S. government's early exploration of the paranormal. Puharich's lifelong quest to understand human consciousness led him to establish the Round Table Foundation, a privately funded research facility in Maine, where he conducted experiments on ESP and other anomalous mental phenomena.

Wealthy benefactors and esoteric research. Puharich's work attracted the support of wealthy benefactors, including members of the Astor, Borden, and du Pont families, who shared his interest in ESP and provided the financial resources to fund his research. The Round Table Foundation became a hub for scientists, philosophers, and mystics, fostering an environment of unconventional thinking and experimentation.

From civilian pursuits to military applications. Puharich's research at the Round Table Foundation eventually caught the attention of the U.S. military, leading to his involvement in classified government programs aimed at exploring the potential of ESP for military and intelligence purposes. This marked a turning point in Puharich's career, as his esoteric pursuits became intertwined with the national security goals of the Cold War era.

3. The Rise of Skepticism and the Army's Esoteric Experiments

ESP and PK can be found only when the experiments are relatively careless, and supervised by experimenters who are firm believers.

The scientific method vs. the paranormal. The scientific method, with its emphasis on observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and repeatability, clashed with the elusive and often inconsistent nature of ESP and PK phenomena. Skeptics, led by figures like Martin Gardner, challenged the validity of ESP research, citing issues with laboratory controls, data skewing, and the influence of experimenter bias.

Army's foray into animal ESP. Despite the skepticism, the U.S. Army conducted its own experiments on ESP, including studies on dogs' ability to locate underwater mines and pigeons' homing instincts. While some initial results appeared promising, subsequent trials often failed to produce consistent or repeatable evidence of ESP.

Puharich's disillusionment with Army life. Puharich's experience in the Army contrasted sharply with the utopian environment of the Round Table Foundation. He found Army life rigid and conventional, stifling his esoteric research and mystical beliefs. This led to his decision to leave the Army and return to his privately funded research, further blurring the lines between science and the supernatural.

4. Nazi Occultism: A Cold War Catalyst

The same kind of manipulation was occurring in the United States.

The occult and the Third Reich. The Nazi regime's entanglement with the occult, particularly Heinrich Himmler's reliance on astrology and quasi-science, played a significant role in shaping the Cold War arms race. The Allies captured Nazi documents detailing research into anomalous mental phenomena, which sparked interest in both the United States and the Soviet Union.

British intelligence and black propaganda. British intelligence employed black propaganda tactics, such as using astrologers to influence Nazi leaders like Rudolf Hess, highlighting the perceived power of mystical beliefs in shaping political and military events. This manipulation further fueled the U.S. government's interest in exploring the potential of the supernatural for strategic advantage.

Operation Alsos and the race for Nazi secrets. The U.S. military's Operation Alsos aimed to secure Nazi scientific and technological advancements, including those related to the occult, before they fell into Soviet hands. This competition over the spoils of war marked the beginning of the psychic arms race between the two superpowers.

5. The CIA's Quest for Psychic Weapons and Truth Serums

Leading the charge in the United States was the newly formed Central Intelligence Agency.

Early CIA programs and the search for truth serums. The CIA's early programs, such as Bluebird, Artichoke, and MKULTRA, sought to develop truth serums and explore methods of influencing and controlling human behavior. These programs involved controversial experiments, including the use of hallucinogenic drugs and the exploration of ancient Aztec legends about "God's flesh."

The quest for teonanáctl. The CIA's interest in teonanáctl, a Mexican field mushroom believed to enhance psychic abilities, led to a classified program called MKULTRA Subproject 58. The Agency's efforts to locate and mass-produce the mushroom for intelligence use highlighted the lengths to which the U.S. government was willing to go in its pursuit of psychic weapons.

Puharich's involvement and the CIA's bypass. Dr. Andrija Puharich's knowledge of magic, mystical, supernatural, and occult research made him a valuable asset in the CIA's quest for teonanáctl. However, the Agency ultimately bypassed Puharich and approached mushroom hunter Gordon Wasson directly, demonstrating the cutthroat nature of the psychic arms race.

6. The Enigma of Uri Geller and the Dawn of Remote Viewing

Now Puharich had a new obsession.

Geller's rise to fame. Uri Geller, a former Israeli paratrooper, gained international recognition for his alleged psychic abilities, including spoon bending and telepathy. His performances and claims attracted both fervent believers and staunch skeptics, making him a controversial figure in the world of parapsychology.

Puharich's interest and the CIA's intervention. Dr. Andrija Puharich's fascination with Geller's abilities led him to bring the psychic to the attention of the CIA. The Agency, eager to explore Geller's potential for intelligence gathering, initiated a research program at Stanford Research Institute (SRI) to study his powers under controlled laboratory conditions.

The birth of remote viewing. The SRI program, led by physicists Hal Puthoff and Russell Targ, focused on developing a standardized protocol for extrasensory perception, which they termed "remote viewing." This technique aimed to train individuals to perceive information about distant locations or objects using only their minds, laying the foundation for future government-sponsored psychic intelligence programs.

7. The Moon, the Military, and the Mysteries of Consciousness

The player on the other side is hidden from us.

Mitchell's secret experiment. Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell, driven by his interest in consciousness and mental telepathy, conducted a secret ESP experiment during his mission to the Moon. This unauthorized experiment highlighted the growing interest in anomalous mental phenomena within the U.S. military and space programs.

Zener cards in space. Mitchell used Zener cards, a staple in ESP testing, to conduct sender-receiver trials with individuals on Earth. While the results were inconclusive, the experiment demonstrated the potential for long-distance telepathic communication and further fueled the government's interest in psychic research.

The quest for understanding consciousness. Mitchell's experience in space led him to question the nature of consciousness and its connection to the universe. He sought to bridge the gap between outer space and inner space, exploring the potential of human consciousness to transcend the limitations of the physical world.

8. The Soviet Threat: A Paranormal Arms Race

In Leningrad the Nautilus reports went off like a depth charge.

The Nautilus report and Soviet response. A French magazine article about alleged U.S. Navy ESP experiments aboard the USS Nautilus sparked a wave of interest in parapsychology within the Soviet Union. This prompted the Soviet government to allocate resources to psychic research, viewing it as a potential military and intelligence tool.

From Rasputin to "biocommunications phenomena." The Soviet Union's approach to psychic research was shaped by its history and ideology. The legacy of Grigori Rasputin, a Russian monk who wielded influence over the Czarist court, led to an initial suppression of mystical practices. However, the perceived threat from the U.S. prompted the Soviets to reframe ESP as a science-based discipline, using terms like "long-distance biological signal transmission" to distance it from its occult roots.

Psychotronic weapons and the Moscow Signal. Soviet research into "psychotronic weapons," electromagnetic devices designed to influence human behavior, raised concerns within the U.S. intelligence community. The discovery of the Moscow Signal, a microwave beam aimed at the U.S. embassy in Moscow, led to classified U.S. programs like Project Pandora, which sought to understand and counter the potential effects of electromagnetic weapons on the human brain.

9. From the CIA to the DIA: The Evolution of Psychic Intelligence

It was the CIA, not the Defense Department, that took action first.

The Medical Intelligence Office and the "psychoenergetic threat." The U.S. Army's Medical Intelligence Office, later transferred to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), conducted a classified assessment of the Soviet "psychoenergetic threat." This report highlighted the potential for Soviet agents to use ESP and PK to disrupt military technology, access state secrets, influence leaders, and assassinate officials.

The rise of Ninel Kulagina. The Soviet psychic Ninel Kulagina, known for her alleged ability to move objects with her mind, became a subject of intense interest within the U.S. defense community. A film showing Kulagina stopping a frog's heart with her mind sparked debate and prompted calls for a U.S. program to mirror Soviet psychic warfare efforts.

The shift to the DIA and the search for operational utility. As the CIA's interest in psychic research waned, the DIA took over the program, focusing on its potential for intelligence collection. This shift marked a transition from basic research to applied operations, with the goal of using ESP and PK for practical military and espionage purposes.

10. The Modern Era: Intuition, Technology, and the Future of ESP

The chessboard is the world; the pieces are the phenomena of the universe; the rules of the game are what we call laws of nature.

The enduring quest for a general theory. Despite decades of research and experimentation, a comprehensive theoretical understanding of ESP and PK remains elusive. The lack of a unifying theory continues to fuel skepticism and limit the acceptance of psychic phenomena within the scientific community.

Modern approaches: intuition, technology, and the brain. In the modern era, research into anomalous mental phenomena has shifted towards exploring the role of intuition, leveraging advanced technologies, and studying the brain. The U.S. Navy, for example, is investigating the potential of "sensemaking" and "Power Dreaming" to enhance soldiers' decision-making abilities and resilience.

The genomics of supernormality. Scientists are now exploring the genetic and neurological basis of psychic abilities, seeking to identify biomarkers and genetic predispositions that may contribute to extraordinary human functioning. This research aims to move beyond anecdotal evidence and subjective experiences, providing a more objective and scientific understanding of ESP and PK.

Last updated:

FAQ

What is Phenomena: The Secret History of the U.S. Government's Investigations into Extrasensory Perception and Psychokinesis by Annie Jacobsen about?

  • Secret government research: The book uncovers the U.S. government’s classified investigations into extrasensory perception (ESP) and psychokinesis (PK), spanning from the post-World War II era through the Cold War and beyond.
  • Focus on intelligence and military: It details how agencies like the CIA, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and U.S. Army explored psychic phenomena for potential intelligence and national security applications.
  • Key figures and events: The narrative features scientists, psychics, military officers, and intelligence officials, and covers programs such as remote viewing and the Star Gate project.
  • Blend of history and science: Jacobsen combines declassified documents, interviews, and firsthand accounts to present a comprehensive history of these controversial programs.

Why should I read Phenomena by Annie Jacobsen?

  • Reveals hidden history: The book exposes a little-known chapter of U.S. intelligence and military history, offering insights into secret programs and the people behind them.
  • Balanced perspective: Jacobsen presents both believers’ and skeptics’ viewpoints, allowing readers to form their own opinions about the reality and value of psychic research.
  • Rich storytelling: The narrative is based on interviews with scientists, psychics, and military personnel, making complex topics accessible and engaging.
  • Connects past and present: The book links historical research with modern scientific inquiries into consciousness, intuition, and brain-computer interfaces.

What are the key takeaways from Phenomena by Annie Jacobsen?

  • Serious government investment: The U.S. government spent decades and millions of dollars investigating ESP and PK, believing these phenomena could offer strategic advantages.
  • Scientific understanding is limited: Despite some laboratory evidence, there is no general theory explaining ESP or PK, and results were often inconsistent or controversial.
  • Intersection of belief and science: The book highlights the complex interplay between scientific inquiry, personal belief, and political agendas in the pursuit of psychic phenomena.
  • Ongoing quest: Modern research continues to explore intuition, premonition, and brain-to-brain communication, showing the enduring fascination with the extraordinary capabilities of the human mind.

What are the best quotes from Phenomena by Annie Jacobsen and what do they mean?

  • Thomas theorem: “If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences.” This underscores how belief in the paranormal, whether justified or not, can have tangible effects on policy and action.
  • Albert Einstein on unseen realities: “Nature shows us only the tail of the lion... the lion belongs with it even if he cannot reveal himself to the eye all at once because of his huge dimension.” This suggests that much of reality, including psychic phenomena, may remain hidden from current scientific understanding.
  • Carl Sagan on rationality: “Why the sudden explosion of interest… in all sorts of paranormal ‘happenings’? Are we in retreat from the scientific ideas of rationality…?” Sagan’s skepticism reflects the tension between scientific inquiry and public fascination with the paranormal.
  • On belief and consequence: The book repeatedly emphasizes that perception and belief, even in unproven phenomena, can drive real-world decisions and outcomes.

How does Phenomena by Annie Jacobsen define extrasensory perception (ESP) and psychokinesis (PK)?

  • ESP definition: ESP is described as the ability to perceive information beyond the five known senses, including telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition.
  • PK definition: Psychokinesis refers to the ability to influence or move matter using only the mind, a concept rooted in ancient and protoscientific traditions.
  • Scientific skepticism: Both ESP and PK are widely rejected by mainstream science as pseudoscience, but the book details how government agencies nonetheless pursued research into their potential applications.
  • Operational interest: The U.S. government explored whether these abilities could be harnessed for intelligence gathering and military advantage.

What is remote viewing, and how was it developed and used according to Phenomena by Annie Jacobsen?

  • Definition and origin: Remote viewing is a psychic technique for perceiving distant or unseen targets, developed and refined by the CIA and U.S. Army for intelligence purposes.
  • Training and protocols: The method involved structured training, including the six-stage Coordinate Remote Viewing (CRV) process, to enhance accuracy and reduce noise.
  • Operational use: Remote viewers were tasked with locating hostages, identifying military installations, and gathering intelligence on adversaries, with some reported successes and many challenges.
  • Controversies and limitations: The program faced skepticism due to inconsistent results, internal disputes, and difficulties integrating psychic data into actionable intelligence.

Who were the key figures in the U.S. government’s psychic research programs as described in Phenomena by Annie Jacobsen?

  • Scientists and researchers: Harold "Hal" Puthoff and Russell Targ led early CIA experiments; Andrija Puharich initiated government interest in ESP; Dale Graff directed DIA programs.
  • Psychics and remote viewers: Uri Geller, Joe McMoneagle, Ingo Swann, Pat Price, and Angela Dellafiora played central roles in experiments and operational missions.
  • Military and intelligence personnel: Major Paul H. Smith, Captain Ed Dames, Captain David Morehouse, and John Alexander were key military figures; Kit Green, a CIA neurophysiologist, contributed scientific oversight.
  • International figures: H. S. Tsien (Qian Xuesen) led China’s classified psychic research, signaling global interest in these phenomena.

What were the main government programs investigating ESP and PK in Phenomena by Annie Jacobsen?

  • CIA’s early research: The CIA funded experiments at Stanford Research Institute (SRI) with psychics like Uri Geller and Pat Price, focusing on remote viewing and psychokinesis.
  • Army’s Grill Flame and INSCOM units: The U.S. Army established units like Detachment G (Grill Flame) to train personnel in remote viewing for intelligence collection.
  • DIA’s Sun Streak and Star Gate: The Defense Intelligence Agency took over, refining training methods and expanding operational targets under programs like Sun Streak and Star Gate.
  • International context: The book also discusses Soviet and Chinese psychic research efforts, prompting U.S. agencies to monitor and respond to perceived threats.

How did the U.S. military and intelligence agencies apply psychic research operationally, according to Phenomena by Annie Jacobsen?

  • Intelligence collection: Remote viewers were assigned to locate missing aircraft, identify enemy installations, and gather information on terrorist threats.
  • Crisis support: Psychic intelligence was used during high-profile events like the Iran hostage crisis and the kidnapping of General James Dozier.
  • Integration challenges: The military struggled to distinguish accurate psychic data from noise and to integrate it into actionable intelligence.
  • Mixed results: While some sessions yielded corroborated information, overall reliability and operational value remained contentious.

What role did Uri Geller play in U.S. government psychic research as described in Phenomena by Annie Jacobsen?

  • Public psychic phenomenon: Uri Geller’s demonstrations of spoon bending and telepathy captivated both the public and intelligence officials in the 1970s.
  • Government testing: The CIA and other agencies conducted classified experiments with Geller, including at Stanford Research Institute and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
  • Controversy and influence: Geller’s abilities sparked debate among scientists and officials, with some supporting his authenticity and others accusing him of fraud.
  • International intrigue: The book explores Geller’s alleged connections to Israeli intelligence and his involvement in covert operations.

What was the significance of astronaut Edgar Mitchell in Phenomena by Annie Jacobsen?

  • Apollo 14 ESP experiments: Mitchell conducted secret ESP tests during his Moon mission, exploring psychic phenomena in space.
  • Advocate for consciousness studies: After his NASA career, Mitchell became a prominent supporter of research into consciousness and anomalous mental phenomena.
  • Support for Uri Geller: Mitchell’s endorsement lent credibility to government psychic research and helped bridge the gap between mainstream science and the paranormal.
  • Legacy and challenges: Despite facing ridicule, Mitchell’s story highlights the tension between scientific achievement and belief in extraordinary human potential.

What were the main challenges, controversies, and criticisms faced by government psychic research programs in Phenomena by Annie Jacobsen?

  • Scientific skepticism: Many scientists and officials doubted the validity of ESP and PK, leading to internal conflicts and external criticism.
  • Operational difficulties: Programs struggled with inconsistent results, distinguishing signal from noise, and integrating psychic data into intelligence workflows.
  • Public exposure and backlash: Media scrutiny, congressional debates, and incidents like the James Randi hoax intensified criticism and led to program termination.
  • Legacy of debate: The book shows that, despite decades of research, the reality and utility of psychic phenomena remain unresolved and controversial.

What modern scientific research related to ESP and PK does Phenomena by Annie Jacobsen discuss?

  • Premonition and intuition studies: The Office of Naval Research and other agencies are studying intuitive decision-making and “Spidey sense” in military personnel.
  • Brain-computer interfaces: DARPA and university researchers are developing synthetic telepathy, enabling communication by thought alone using EEG and brain stimulation.
  • Biofeedback and trauma treatment: Programs like Power Dreaming use virtual reality and biofeedback to help soldiers manage PTSD, drawing on principles related to psychokinesis.
  • Integration with technology: The book highlights how modern science is exploring the boundaries between mind, technology, and extraordinary human capabilities.

Review Summary

3.94 out of 5
Average of 1k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Phenomena receives mixed reviews, with praise for its extensive research and engaging writing style, but criticism for perceived bias and lack of skepticism. Many readers find the topic of government psychic research fascinating, though some wanted more analysis. Reviewers appreciate Jacobsen's access to declassified documents and interviews, but some question the book's objectivity. Overall, it's seen as an interesting exploration of a controversial subject, appealing to those curious about paranormal investigations, though it may not fully satisfy skeptics or true believers.

Your rating:
4.45
23 ratings

About the Author

Annie Jacobsen is a bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize finalist known for her books on government secrecy, national security, and military history. Her works include Area 51, Operation Paperclip, and The Pentagon's Brain. Jacobsen's latest book, Nuclear War: A Scenario, is an international bestseller. Her writing has garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades. Beyond books, Jacobsen writes and produces for television, including Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan. A Princeton University graduate and former women's ice hockey team captain, she now resides in Los Angeles with her family.

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