This chapter delves into the science of emotion, with a focus on awe and its impact on moral judgments. It discusses how emotions like anger and disgust influence decision-making in politics, highlighting the role of emotions in shaping beliefs and behaviors. The expert shares insights on the biological significance of awe, its cross-cultural implications, and its role in reducing inflammation.
In this episode we sit down with psychologist Dacher Keltner, one of the world’s leading experts on the science of emotion, the man Pixar hired to help them write Inside Out. In his new book – Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life – he outlines his years of work in this field, the health benefits of awe, the evolutionary origins and likely functions, and how to better pursue more awe and wonder in your own life.