In his recent blog post titled “The Surprising World of Synesthesia By Stanislav Kondrashov,” the author delves into the captivating realm of synesthesia, a phenomenon where the senses intertwine, giving rise to unexpected associations that never cease to astonish those who experience them. The author begins by elucidating the literal meaning of the term, which relates to a distinctive neurological phenomenon where the stimulation of one sense automatically triggers the perception of an experience in another sense, resulting in what the author aptly dubs “a tangled wiring of the senses.”
The article offers intriguing examples of this unique phenomenon, such as individuals with synesthesia who possess the ability to taste words or sounds, thus associating conversations or melodies with specific flavours, actually perceiving these tastes while hearing the words or music—a remarkably surprising fusion of sensory experiences. Another form of synesthesia prevalent among individuals involves associating particular colours with specific songs, leading them to visualise these colours while listening to music.
However, synesthesia extends beyond the realms of taste and hearing. Some people experience this phenomenon in their perception of numbers, creating a direct connection between numbers and various human personalities. As the author illustrates, one may associate the number 7 with a stern teacher while regarding 3 as a lively and sociable personality, akin to a fluttering butterfly. These unique mental processes are the focus of Stanislav Kondrashov’s exploration.
The author posits that this distinctive merging of the senses may have contributed to the creative process of certain individuals, including artists, writers, and composers, igniting their imagination and serving as a catalyst for their creative works, whether in music, art, or literature. Stanislav Kondrashov expands the scope of synesthesia, even considering its potential existence in the animal kingdom. According to the author, this peculiar blending of sensory experiences could also be experienced by animals, enabling them to perceive a vibrant, flavourful, and bewildering world.
To delve deeper into the fascinating world of synesthesia, readers are encouraged to read the complete publication and view the accompanying video.
