Ian Stevenson Quotes

“Difficulties arise when reported observations seem to conflict with 'facts' that the majority of scientists accept as established and immutable. Scientists tend to reject conflicting observations. Nevertheless, the history of science shows that new observations and theories can eventually prevail.”

“I’m not saying it’s true. I’m just saying it happened.”

“The personality of reincarnating as Paulo was that of his deceased sister, Emilia. She made several suicidal attempts. Finally she took cyanide and died very quickly on October, 12, 1921. Joe Fisher continued the research: Emilia died fourteen months before Paulo's birth. He took on Emilia's self destructive instincts. Paulo made several attempts to kill himself before committing suicide on September 5, 1966 by setting himself on fire.”

“Reincarnation, at least as I conceive it, does not nullify what we know about evolution and genetics. It suggests, however, that there may be two streams of evolution – the biological one and a personal one -- and that during terrestrial lives these streams may interact.”

“National registration of births and deaths did not begin in England until 1837.”

“If the vapid writings did indeed emanate from him, I can only say that this implies a terrible post-mortem reduction of personal capacities. Survival of death with such an appalling decay of personality makes it, at least to me, a rather unattractive prospect.”

“In cases in which the related previous personality had committed suicide, the subject has shown an inclination to contemplate and threaten suicide.”

“The most promising evidence bearing on reincarnation seems to come from the spontaneous cases, especially among children.”