In my case, the neocortex was out of the picture. I was encountering the reality of a world of consciousness that existed completely free of the limitations of my physical brain.
-- Narrator - Eben Alexander (Prologue)

Importance: This quote clearly establishes much of Alexander's hypothesis which he claims is "Proof of Heaven." Because he experienced a form of consciousness while his neocortex was not functioning, he has concluded that consciousness is separate from the physical brain. Instead of believing that consciousness is created by the brain, as most contemporary science suggests, Alexander has concluded that consciousness exists on a spiritual plane, not a physical one, and that physical death of the brain and body are not the end of consciousness.

Like an ocean wearing away a beach, over the years my scientific worldview gently but steadily undermined my ability to believe in something larger. Science seemed to be providing a steady onslaught of evidence that pushed... (chapter 6)