Awe

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From a leading psychology professor at U.C. Berkeley comes a groundbreaking exploration of awe, its history, science, and transformative potential in our lives. Awe, an elusive emotion, is challenging to define and measure. How do we quantify the goosebumps from witnessing the Grand Canyon or the wonder of a child’s first steps? Until recently, scientific focus was primarily on emotions like fear and disgust, essential for survival. However, we now understand that awe plays a critical role in our social evolution, fostering cooperation, community, and culture that strengthen our shared identity. In this work, Dacher Keltner presents a radical investigation into awe, revealing new research on its impact on our brains and bodies. He examines awe throughout history, culture, and his personal experiences, illustrating how it helps us appreciate our humanity. In a world increasingly divided, Keltner offers a narrative of awe as an antidote, encouraging us to cultivate it in our daily lives. Awe sharpens our reasoning, enhances our immune response, and inspires us to create and connect. It transforms our identities and fuels artistic expression. This insightful guide serves as both an invitation and a practical resource, urging us to recognize awe as a vital force in our lives.