Threshold: terminal lucidity and the border between life and death

The first major account of terminal lucidity: the remarkable return of clarity and cognition at the end of life. Terminal lucidity is a relatively common but poorly understood phenomenon. Near the end of life, many people — including those who have suffered brain injuries or strokes, or have been silenced by mental illness or deep dementia — experience what seems a miraculous return. They regain their clarity and energy, are able to talk with families and caregivers, recall their lives, and often appear to be aware of their nearing death. In this remarkable book, cognitive scientist and Director of the Viktor Frankl Institute Dr Alexander Batthyány offers the first major account of terminal lucidity, utilising hundreds of case studies and his research in the related field of near-death studies to explore the mind, the body, the nature of consciousness, and what the living can learn from those who are crossing the border from life to death. Astonishing, authoritative, and deeply moving, Threshold opens a doorway into one of life’s — and death’s — most provocative mysteries.

About the Author :
Professor Alexander Batthyány, PhD, is director of the Research Institute for Theoretical Psychology and Personalist Studies at Pázmány Péter Catholic University in Budapest, professor for existential psychotherapy at the Moscow Institute of Psychoanalysis, and director of the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy in Vienna. He is the author or editor of more than fifteen books, and his academic work has been translated into ten languages. He has also been invited to give lectures around the world. Batthyány divides his time between Vienna and the Hungarian countryside.

Review :
‘This is a terrific book. Dr Batthyány has created an enlightening examination of the phenomenon that is very familiar to those who care for the terminally ill and their families. Threshold should have a positive effect on the care of the terminally ill.’ ‘Captivating … This engaging examination of consciousness in the borderland between life and death explores our sense of self, how our identities are tied to our bodies, and what happens when those links are severed. Threshold is guaranteed to challenge your concepts of who you are.’ ‘Remarkable … [Threshold] has spectacular, shattering, and life-changing implications and consequences.’ ‘In his groundbreaking book, Threshold, Alexander Batthyány skilfully and magically describes the mystery and miracle of terminal lucidity, raising the existential question about what exactly is “self” and what happens after one’s journey of life reaches its completion.’ ‘Threshold is a masterpiece! This book is a treasure trove of insights about terminal lucidity (TL) and its implications for understanding the bigger picture of consciousness. Dr Batthyány delivers superb science along with fascinating examples of TL and related experiences. This book is a sentinel event establishing TL as a real and extremely important phenomenon. Each turn of the page contains convincing evidence that we are far more than simply the product of our physical brain. This book is scholarly yet remarkably easy to read. I enthusiastically recommend this exceptional book as essential to everyone interested in understanding the greater picture of consciousness and spiritual experiences.’ ‘In a world where science has become reductionist in its scope, Threshold reminds us that our lives have deep meanings which defy quantification and which are essential to our physical and emotional wellbeing.’ ‘Threshold weaves together the astonishing phenomenon of terminal lucidity and remarkable death-bed experiences, with keen reflections from the perspectives of the neurosciences and existential philosophy. In so doing, author Alexander Batthyány challenges our most basic understandings of life, death, and consciousness. This compelling journey through the mysteries of the mind transcends the boundaries of biological materialism, and it underscores the profound value of individuality and human dignity. Highly recommended.’ ‘[Batthyány’s] in-depth, thoughtful investigation of a perennially fascinating phenomenon will garner interest … more than enough to keep the curious captivated.’ ‘Threshold poses some great questions on what it means to be human.’ Praise for Foundations of Near-Death Research: ‘For all serious students and scholars interested in the field of near-death studies, this collection of some of the most important articles published in the Journal of Near-Death Studies over the last nearly forty years is a must — an indispensable and invaluable resource. Of particular value is the brilliant and incisive historical overview of the field by the editor of this volume, Alexander Batthyány.’ Praise for Foundations of Near-Death Research: ‘This wonderful book offers a great opportunity, not only for scientists, philosophers, psychologists and physicians, but also for near-death experiencers and the public, to have a better understanding of the implications and results of NDE research.’ Praise for Foundations of Near-Death Research: ‘This incredibly insightful book is long overdue. The groundbreaking articles presented in this volume informed how future near-death research was conducted and enabled refinement of methods. A ‘must read’ for anyone interested in this field.’