Dr Ian Stevenson at the University of Virginia collected around 2,500 cases of young children who spoke of memories from another life. In some cases, he said details matched a real person who had died. Critics say memory, culture and coincidence can explain them.
Truth label: Speculative. A fascinating idea without solid evidence yet.
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Common patterns
Children often start talking about it around age two to four and stop by about seven.
The criticism
Many cases come from cultures that already believe in rebirth, and families may shape the story without meaning to.
Learn
- The work goes on. The University of Virginia's Division of Perceptual Studies still collects cases today.
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Where did Ian Stevenson do his research?
University of Virginia. He founded a research unit there.
Sources
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