August 16, 2002
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This article in the Fortean Times, about feral children raised by wolves, bears, monkeys, gazelles, and even goats, has many case histories. It concludes with some words about the characteristics of feral humans:
Hardly any of them learnt to laugh or smile and their libidos seemed stunted. Kaspar confused dreams with reality and spoke of himself in the third person. Neither Victor nor Kaspar could recognise their reflections in a mirror; the Turkish bear-girl would sit for hours in her room gazing at herself in a mirror. Auger observed the gazelle-boy looking at his reflection in a pool of water as if it were a stranger.
Comments (5)
My human development classes covered this type of thing…a window for critical learning development. Fascinating!
I’ve bookmarked it for later. I’ll bet my husband is featured in there. He was either raised by jackasses or mules…or maybe one of each…
I wish parents who neglect their children could see the parallele.
I often look at my reflection in the mirror as a stranger as well. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. In fact, I think it may be a good thing. I don’t spend much time doing it. Just a glance is all it takes to send me on my way satisfied I don’t know him.
Great link. I found the article very interesting indeed