---
born: 1905-09-05
category: Psychics & Remote Viewers
died: 1983-03-01
location: Budapest, Hungary
summary: Arthur Koestler was a Hungarian-born British novelist, journalist, and critic.
tags:
- Person
- RemoteViewer
- Military
- Stargate
---

Arthur Koestler was a Hungarian-born British novelist, journalist, and critic. He was known for his writings on science, parapsychology, and political philosophy. His 1972 book, *The Roots of Coincidence*, explored the concept of synchronicity and other parapsychological phenomena.[^1]

Koestler's work, particularly *The Roots of Coincidence*, played a role in influencing key figures in the U.S. government's psychic research programs. Major General [Edmund Thompson](/people/edmund-thompson/), the Army's assistant chief of staff for intelligence, developed a considerable enthusiasm for psychic spying after reading Koestler's pro-paranormal book. This personal interest contributed to Thompson's approval and support for the [Gondola Wish](/programs/stargate-project/) program.[^1]

[^1]: Schnabel, Jim. *Remote Viewers*. Dell, 1997.