The Believer (by Ralph Blumenthal)
Recently, my husband and I discovered a captivating television show on National Geographic called UFOs: Investigating the Unknown. This program presented fascinating information about UFOs through interviews with journalists, scientists, and individuals with personal experiences. I learned about the government’s secrecy surrounding Project Blue Book and even witnessed congressional sessions where well-respected military personnel shared their insights. What impressed me most was the neutrality of the experts. They were committed to their research, not seeking a specific outcome or proving or disproving the existence of aliens. Instead, they aimed to gain a deeper understanding of this intriguing phenomenon. Currently, there are two seasons available of the program. Below is a trailer for season two, which aired this year, for your viewing pleasure.
While watching the show, I was introduced to several experts who have written intriguing books that I’ve added to my wishlist. One of them is Ralph Blumenthal, a renowned reporter who wrote a biography titled The Believer: Alien Encounters, Hard Science, and the Passion of John Mack. John Mack, a Harvard psychiatrist, stumbled upon an opportunity to meet with individuals who claimed to have been abducted by aliens. This wasn’t a subject that naturally piqued his interest, nor did he seek to become overly involved in it.
The Believer delves into Mack’s upbringing and his decision to pursue a career in psychiatry. As he delved deeper into the field, he became increasingly intrigued by the individuals who reported these extraordinary experiences. He began treating these individuals with hypnosis and group therapy, and while he didn’t necessarily hold personal beliefs about aliens, he deeply believed in the experiences of his clients. Mack ruled out mental illness and took their accounts at face value. He treated these individuals with respect and compassion, addressing their emotional needs with utmost care.
This biography offers a detailed account of John Mack’s personal and professional life. I found it intriguing that the book mentions Timothy Leary and Ram Dass (also known as Richard Alpert), his fascination with LSD, and his involvement in meditation. Mack was open to exploring various methods for promoting mental well-being, as he had his own personal traumas to process. He even participated in an Ayahuasca ceremony. Throughout his journey, Mack traveled the world, meeting captivating individuals like the Dalai Lama and interviewing those who claimed to have encountered unidentified flying objects. Despite the controversy surrounding his work, Mack was widely regarded as a respected psychiatrist.
I purchased the audiobook of The Believer through my Audible membership. The narration by Phil Thron effectively brought John Mack’s story to life.
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