Dacher Keltner

One of the most fascinating developments of our time is that human qualities we have understood in terms of virtue — experiences we've called spiritual — are now being taken seriously by science as intelligence — as elements of human wholeness. Dacher Keltner and his Greater Good Science Center at Berkeley have been pivotal in this emergence. From the earliest years of his career, he investigated how emotions are coded in the muscles of our faces, and how they serve as “moral sensory systems." He was called on as Emojis evolved; he consulted on Pete Docter's groundbreaking movie Inside Out. All of this, as Dacher sees it now, led him deeper and deeper into investigating the primary experience of awe in human life — moments when we have a sense of wonder, an experience of mystery, that transcends our understanding. These, it turns out, are as common in human life globally as they are measurably health-giving and immunity-boosting. They bring us together with others, again and again. They bring our nervous system and heartbeat and breath into sync — and even into sync with other bodies around us.Dacher Keltner is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and founding director of the Greater Good Science Center. He hosts the podcast The Science of Happiness. His latest book is Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.Find the transcript for this show at onbeing.org.______________Sign up for The Pause to receive our seasonal Saturday morning newsletter and advance invitations and news on all things On Being.And: if you can, please take a minute to rate On Being in this podcast app — you'll be bending the arc of algorithms towards this adventure of conversation and living.

In this engaging discussion, Dacher Keltner, a UC Berkeley psychology professor and emotion expert, reveals walking as a powerful tool for mental and physical well-being. He shares the concept of 'awe walks,' emphasizing how immersing oneself in nature enhances happiness and kindness. The conversation highlights the benefits of walking meetings and rituals, which foster concentration and reduce anxiety. Keltner also discusses the mind-body connection and offers insights on incorporating walking into daily routines for greater mental clarity and emotional balance.

When Pixar was dreaming up the idea for Inside Out, a film that would explore the roiling emotions inside the head of a young girl, they needed guidance from an expert. So they called Dacher Keltner. Dacher is a psychologist at UC Berkeley who has dedicated his career to understanding how human emotion shapes the way we interact with the world, how we properly manage difficult or stressful situations, and ultimately, how we treat one another. In fact, he refers to emotions as the “language of social living.” The more fluent we are in this language, the happier and more meaningful our lives can be. We tackle a wide variety of topics in this conversation that I think you’ll really enjoy. You’ll learn: The three main drivers that determine your personal happiness and life satisfaction Simple things you can do everyday to jumpstart the “feel good” reward center of your brain The principle of “jen” and how we can use “high-jen behaviors” to bootstrap our own happiness How to have more positive influence in our homes, at work and in our communities. How to teach your kids to be more kind and empathetic in an increasingly self-centered world What you can do to stay grounded and humble if you are in a position of power or authority How to catch our own biases when we’re overly critical of another’s ideas (or overconfident in our own) And much more. We could have spent an hour discussing any one of these points alone, but there was so much I wanted to cover. I’m certain you’ll find this episode well worth your time. *** Go Premium: Members get early access, ad-free episodes, hand-edited transcripts, searchable transcripts, member-only episodes, and more. Sign up at: https://fs.blog/membership/   Every Sunday our newsletter shares timeless insights and ideas that you can use at work and home. Add it to your inbox: https://fs.blog/newsletter/   Follow Shane on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/ShaneAParrish   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we welcome Dr. Dacher Keltner, one of the world’s foremost emotion scientists. He is a professor of psychology at UC Berkeley and the director of the Greater Good Science Center. Fun fact: he was the scientific advisor behind the beloved Pixar movie, Inside Out! He has over 200 scientific publications and six books, including Born to Be Good, The Compassionate Instinct, and The Power Paradox. His latest book is called Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.In this episode I talk to Dacher Keltner about the new science of awe. Emotions like fear and disgust have been extensively researched because of their roles in human survival. But Dr. Keltner argues that awe is also essential for well-being and community. Music, art, and nature are some of the antecedents that can induce a sense of wonder, inspiring us to be better by recognizing that we’re parts of a greater whole. We also touch on the topics of transcendence, neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, and creativity.Website: dacherkeltner.comTwitter: @GreaterGoodSC Topics02:19 The science of awe09:59 What triggers awe?12:31 The neuroscience and physiology of awe17:06 The essential features of awe19:26 A prosocial approach to evolutionary psychology25:16 Dr. Keltner’s personal search for awe32:24 Nature and connectivity36:16 Are we depriving children of awe?38:20 Awe is a life detector40:54 Awe and creativity42:44 The dark side of awe45:09 Cultivating the awe mindset53:41 The unifying purpose of aweSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Dacher Keltner, a prominent UC Berkeley psychologist and director of the Greater Good Science Center, shares insights on the transformative effects of spending time in nature. He discusses how nature not only boosts mood and enhances cognition but also positively influences relationships and reduces stress. From the healing power of awe to practical ways of integrating nature into daily life, Keltner emphasizes that embracing the outdoors can significantly improve our emotional and physical health. Nature, he asserts, is truly a form of healthcare.

Renowned mindfulness teacher Tara Brach and leading researcher Dacher Keltner explore the power of exquisite attention, including practices like RAIN to awaken from anxious trances and how awe opens our eyes to wonder. Discover tools to train moment-to-moment presence, uncover magic, amplify creativity, deepen connections, and transform your life.

Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor at UC Berkeley, specializes in the science of emotions, particularly awe and happiness. In a compelling conversation, he discusses the transformative power of awe and its effects on well-being. Keltner shares insights on how social connections can enhance life quality, the negative correlation between wealth and empathy, and the crisis of meaning in modern society. He emphasizes the healing power of nature and the importance of gratitude, showcasing how these elements can help combat stress and isolation.

Dr. Dacher Keltner, a leading emotion scientist and psychology professor, shares fascinating insights about awe and its potential to transform our lives. He defines awe as our response to experiences that evoke wonder and makes us feel connected to something greater. Dacher emphasizes that awe can be found in everyday moments, such as nature and acts of kindness. The discussion touches on how appreciation for awe enhances mental and physical health, fosters connection, and can even reshape our understanding of happiness.

Dacher Keltner, a UC Berkeley psychology professor and emotion science expert, shares insights on accessing nature's benefits in urban settings. He emphasizes the importance of engaging our senses through sounds and sights, even in city life. Urban trees and birdsong can uplift our mood and combat depression. Keltner also discusses how taking pictures of our surroundings can boost focus and mindfulness. Lastly, he highlights the power of imagination in connecting with nature, offering a pathway to enhanced well-being.