FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE

A microscopic look into the power of the human sensorium.

Seaberg takes readers on a satisfying journey within, evaluating human senses. The author describes the five common senses we learn as children—sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste—and also examines lesser-known ones such as depth perception and balance. One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the recurring theme that human sensory abilities are more powerful than most know. Seaberg emphasizes that the reason many people don’t realize the extent of their innate abilities to perceive is because, especially in Western culture, we are in a state of constant sensory overload, which desensitizes us. The author shows us how our sensory capabilities function on an atomic and even quantum level. Especially fascinating is Seaberg’s personal discussion of synesthesia. “I am a polysynesthete,” she writes, “meaning that I have many bonus senses, including seeing colors associated with numbers, letters, music, days of the week (Tuesday is golden), months, and other stimuli. These impressions do not mean I don’t also experience the primary expected sense. I just get a layer on top of it.” Seaberg illustrates her points with a variety of research experiments and case studies, and she weaves in other people’s personal accounts of their sensory abilities. In addition to her own captivating story, one of the most engaging case studies is a woman who can smell the secretion of oils on the skin that reside in an individual with Parkinson’s disease. Thanks to her, writes the author, “doctors may now have a ten-year lead on Parkinson’s worst phases and can provide better early care.” Seaberg rounds out the book with suggestions for better engaging with your senses, including meditation, getting out in nature, and trying to “avoid the constant bombardment of stimuli modern society throws at you.”

An intriguing story about the power of perception.