Synaesthesia

According to Wikipdeia, synaesthesia is a neurological mixing of the senses. In other words, someone may see a certain color in their mind when they hear a musical note, or mentally perceive a unique texture when they think of a particular number. The part of the brain that deals with numbers may, for instance, form an abnormal connection with the part of the brain that stores shapes and colors, thus connecting the two.

I just watched a program on Discovery Channel called Brainman about Daniel Tammet, an autistic savant from England who can do outrageous math problems in seconds or learn a new language in a week but can't tell his right from left. He says that he perceives numbers in his mind as shapes, colors, and textures - even landscapes. He says the number "1" appears as a blinding light. "9" is tall and daunting. "6", the most difficult to visualize is a void, a chasm. He can tell whether or not large numbers are prime within seconds. He says when he realizes the number is prime, the result is a kind of euphoric pleasure somewhere in his head, above his eyes.

Nobody really understands how he does this. Whatever the case, watching him on t.v. deepened my faith. I'm not sure exactly how, but in some profound way this all points to God. Listening to him describe his abilities and seeing him solve these ridiculous problems, I found myself experiencing a sense of wonder and amazement at life similar to when I'm in some vast expanse of nature. Everything is too fascinating to be meaningless.

If you're interested here's a really good article on him.