Americans have a strong belief in psychic phenomena. A 2001 Gallup survey found that 50 percent of Americans believe in extrasensory perception and 54 percent believe in psychic healing. Just over one—third (36 percent) believe in telepathy, while just under one—third (32 percent) believe in clairvoyance, and 28 percent believe that people can communicate with the dead. The percentage of Americans who believe in these paranormal events has increased significantly- from 6 to 10 percent in almost every category- over the past decade.

Precognition

Along with the belief in paranormal phenomena, many Americans-including some famous Americans-claim that they have experienced some form of psychic activity. Abraham Lincoln told his friend and biographer Ward H. Lamon about a disturbing dream he had. In his dream, Lincoln heard loud sobbing and wailing. Following the sounds to the East Room of the White House, he had

a sickening surprise. Before me was a catafalque coffinshaped...