Explanation of what happens when you are deprived of some of your senses. Also refer to punishment, solitary confinement, blind, deaf, Helen Keller, appreciation, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
When You are Deprived of Senses
by Ron Kurtus (7 October 2000)
We need our senses to know what is happening in the world around us. The loss of even one sense can be devastating and greatly affect a person's life. But many people who have lost a sense learn to cope and even excel. They appreciate what remaining senses they have.
Questions you may have include:
- What happens if you are deprived of your senses?
- How do blind people cope?
- How should we think of our own senses?
This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.
Deprivation of senses can be punishment
If we are deprived of even one of our senses, we lose much of the experience of life. That is why the worst punishment that can be given to prisoners is not physical punishment, rather it is temporarily depriving the person of communication with others and the outside world. This is usually done through solitary confinement.
Loss of senses make others more sensitive
When someone loses one of their senses, the remaining senses often become more sensitive. This may be to compensate for the loss. It also is because the person must concentrate more one what senses remain.
Blind or deaf people become more sensitive to their remaining senses. Often a blind person can hear things a normal person can't. Their sense of touch is also more acute.
Helen Keller
Helen Keller was both deaf and blind, but her mental capacity and strong will made up for her handicaps. Amazingly, she was able to learn to speak, read and write, despite being unable to see or hear. She was truly challenged in her life, and she met the challenge like a champion.
Appreciate your senses
Too often people become complacent about their senses, such that they take them for granted. They no longer notice the sweet smell of flowers, the beautiful colors around them, pleasant sounds, the smell and taste of good food, the pleasure of warmth on a cold night, or the sensation of touching the soft fur of a pet.
Summary
Losing a sense or being deprived of communicating with the outside world can be devastating to a person. People who have lost a sense learn to compensate with their remaining senses. We should appreciate what we have, especially if all our senses are working properly.
Appreciate everything you have
Resources
Following are some other resources on this subject.
Websites
Books
Top-rated books on Your Senses
Mini-quiz to check your understanding
1. What would happen if you lost your sense of taste?
2. How could Helen Keller communicate?
3. How can deaf people understand what others say?
If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in Understanding your Senses. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.
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When You Are Deprived of Senses