The Man Who Tasted Shapes

The ten people in one million who are synesthetes are born into a world where one sensation (such as sound) conjures up one or more others (such as taste or colour). Although scientists have known about synesthesia for 200 years, until now the condition has remained a mystery. Experiments with more than 40 synesthetes led Richard Cytowic to an explanation of synesthesia - and to conception of the organization of the mind, one that emphasized the primacy of emotion over reason. Through his research Cytowic came to explore a deeper reality that he believes exists in all individuals, but usually below the surface of awareness. The author argues that the brain is an active explorer, not just a passive receiver, and offers a view of what it means to be human - a view contrary to conventional ideas about reason, emotion, and who we are.