ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Third man factor

Okay kiddo, let me tell you about the Third Man Factor. It's actually kinda cool!

Have you ever been in a scary or dangerous situation? Maybe you were lost in the woods or stuck in a big storm. Well, some people say that when they're in that kind of situation, they feel like there's someone else there with them. But when they look around, there's no one there!

That feeling of having someone with you, even when you're alone, is called the Third Man Factor. Some people believe that it's a real thing that happens to people in stressful situations. It's like having an invisible friend who shows up to help you through tough times.

Lots of people have reported experiencing the Third Man Factor. For example, in the 1950s, a group of explorers went on a dangerous trip to Antarctica. One of them got very sick and had to stay behind in his tent. But even though he was alone, he felt like someone was there with him. He said it was like having a guardian angel.

Another example is from a man named Aron Ralston. He was hiking alone in a remote canyon and got his arm stuck under a boulder. He thought he was going to die, but then he started feeling like there was someone with him - even though he was the only person around. He said it helped give him the courage to cut off his own arm to free himself and escape.

So, while some people might think the Third Man Factor is just a strange feeling, others believe it's a real phenomenon that helps people survive difficult situations. It's like having an invisible friend who helps you be brave and overcome your fears. Pretty cool, right?
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