The Strangers Within: Three Parasites

"The Strangers Within" explores the enduring idea that the human body is inhabited by internal beings—from spirits and ghosts to microbes and parasites—drawing from ancient Taoist, Buddhist, medical, and shamanic traditions to modern scientific understanding. The book examines how these inner inhabitants influence desires, behaviors, and perceptions, blurring the boundaries between control and influence. By weaving together religious histories, medical research, and personal encounters, it investigates why humans across cultures perceive their bodies as both familiar and alien, revealing the complex, often mysterious relationship we have with ourselves.