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.
Awe-inspiring experiences challenge our belief systems, enhance resilience, and promote cognitive strategies that open our minds.
Experiencing awe leads to decreased post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, increased well-being, enhanced generosity, and a broader perspective on life's challenges.
Deep dives
The Power of Awe: A Gateway to Resilience and Openness
Awe is not limited to being self-reliant or emotionless, as commonly misunderstood. Instead, it is an ancient philosophy rooted in developing good character and serving the cosmopolis. Practical Stoicism, a podcast by Tanner Campbell, explores the true essence of Stoicism and its practical applications in everyday life, providing daily episodes on the topic. Awe, the mysterious and powerful emotion, holds the potential to transform our lives. Research by Packer Keltner, a psychology professor, reveals that awe-inspiring experiences challenge our belief systems, enhance resilience, and promote cognitive strategies that open our minds. From witnessing natural wonders to experiencing profound personal connections, awe has the ability to dissolve our sense of self and merge us with others, fostering a shared meaning and enriching our lives.
Embarking on a Journey of Awe: From Childhood Adventures to Transcendent Moments
Packer Keltner, a psychologist and author, shares his personal experiences of awe, starting from childhood camping trips and bonding with his brother over the wonders of nature. He delves into the transcendence he witnessed during his brother's final moments, questioning the meaning of life and spirituality. While awe often defies religious and Western assumptions, it remains a deeply inspiring and mysterious force. Keltner's research highlights that awe-inspiring encounters, whether in nature, music, or witnessing acts of moral beauty, present opportunities for personal growth and a profound connection to the larger systems and meanings of life.
The Eight Wonders of Life: Exploring Awe in Various Forms
Drawing from extensive research, Packer Keltner categorizes awe into eight wonders of life: nature, spirituality, music, visual design, big ideas, collective effervescence, moral beauty, and life and death. These wonders encompass experiences that evoke a sense of vastness, whether in physical, temporal, or conceptual realms. From contemplating the grandeur of natural landscapes to being moved by acts of courage and sacrifice, these awe-inspiring encounters awaken a belief in something greater than ourselves. Keltner emphasizes that recognizing and seeking out these wonders instills a sense of openness, curiosity, and appreciation for the world around us.
The Transformative Effects of Awe: Resilience, Generosity, and Well-Being
Research demonstrates that awe can have transformative effects on our psychology and well-being. Exposure to awe leads to decreased post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in veterans and increased well-being in underprivileged teenagers. Moments of awe also enhance generosity, stimulate creativity, reduce polarization in politics, and foster a broader perspective on life's challenges. Neuroscience reveals that awe-triggered physiological responses, such as tears, goosebumps, and the activation of the vagus nerve, promote an open mindset by dampening our self-centered default mode network, enabling us to embrace mystery and uncertainty with greater mental agility.
Psychologist Dacher Keltner shares the science behind the mysterious, powerful emotion of awe. He and Maya discuss where we can find awe in our everyday lives, including one common but surprising source. Dacher also explains how awe can boost our well-being and potentially influence psychological traits such as openness and resilience.