he was born in rotterdam. he started out trying a career in the beaux arts. he headed a design firm in his twenties. during his earlier years he had had all sorts of dreams and "paranormal" experiences. when he turned 33, he claimed to realize that his body was "invulnerable." as a result he left his job and went to amsterdam. hanging around pubs, he made money by letting people pierce his body with "dagger-like objects." he also swallowed glass and razor blades.