Sebastian Junger is an American journalist, author, and documentarian known for his in-depth reporting on dangerous and extreme situations. Born in 1962 in Boston, Massachusetts, Junger grew up in a unique household that significantly influenced his worldview and later work.

Junger’s father, Miguel, was born in Europe to a Jewish father and a Christian mother. Miguel immigrated to the United States at age 18, fleeing the Nazi invasion of France. He became a physicist, embodying a staunchly rationalist worldview that rejected anything that couldn’t be measured or tested scientifically. In contrast, Junger’s mother adhered to more spiritual and holistic beliefs, embracing Eastern wisdom, energies, and alternative medicine. This tension between rationalism and spirituality in his parents’ perspectives would later play a crucial role in Junger’s exploration of his near-death experience.

Junger’s early exposure to both scientific rigor and spiritual openness contributed to his ability to approach complex topics from multiple angles. He graduated from Wesleyan University in 1984 with a degree in cultural anthropology, a field that bridges the gap between scientific observation and cultural understanding.

Junger’s career as a writer began with freelance work for various magazines. He gained significant recognition with his 1997 book The Perfect Storm, a nonfiction account of a fishing boat lost at sea during a severe storm.