

How Awe Transforms Us
74 snips Oct 23, 2023
Dacher Keltner, a psychologist, shares the science behind the emotion of awe in everyday life. he discusses surprising sources of awe and its impact on well-being. The podcast explores the transformative power of awe, from challenging beliefs to dissolving the self. It also covers the effects of awe on generosity, creativity, and political polarization. Various pathways to cultivate awe are discussed, including meditation, gratitude exercises, service work, and psychedelics.
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Brotherhood of Awe
- Dacher Keltner and his brother, Rolf, shared profound experiences of awe throughout their lives, from childhood adventures in nature to Rolf's passing.
- Dacher's observation of Rolf's peaceful smile during his final moments solidified his understanding of awe's significance in life's biggest mysteries.
Defining Awe
- Awe has two key components: vastness and a need for accommodation.
- Vastness refers to the magnitude of the awe-inspiring stimulus, which can be physical, temporal, or conceptual.
Need for Accommodation
- The "need for accommodation" aspect of awe compels us to update our beliefs.
- This happens because awe exposes us to concepts that challenge our existing understanding.