Phineas Gage

Phineas Gage was a 25-year-old railroad construction foreman who became famous after surviving a horrific accident in 1848, when a 13-pound iron rod was accidentally driven through his skull during a blast. Remarkably, he was able to walk and speak immediately after the incident, but the injury resulted in profound changes to his personality. Once known for his pleasant demeanor, Gage exhibited aggressive and irresponsible behaviors post-accident, leading to significant interest in his case within the fields of psychology and neurology. His story has become a cornerstone in understanding the relationship between brain function and personality, as it provided early evidence of the role of the prefrontal cortex in emotional regulation and social behavior.