What is awe? I Science with Sam

TL;DR

Feeling awe, a combination of amazement and fear in the face of something vast, can bring numerous benefits, such as boosting creativity, lowering stress, and making us nicer people.

Transcript

the vast moldiness up here of the boat is uh on inspiration it makes you realize what you have back there on earth being awestruck can bring a host of benefits from boosting creativity to lowering stress to making as nicer people but what exactly is all and how do we get more of it in our lives you don't have to go into space to feel the power of a... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤳 Awe-inducing experiences can make us feel small and alter our sense of self.
• 🤳 Awe reduces activity in the default mode network in our brains, which is associated with our sense of self.
• ❓ Awe has personal benefits such as happiness and reduced stress, even weeks after the experience.
• 🌂 Simulating the experience of awe, whether through virtual reality or expansive videos, can still provide many of the same benefits.
• 🍄 Psychedelic drugs like magic mushrooms and LSD can induce a powerful experience of awe and have long-lasting positive effects.
• ⏳ People experience low-level awe on average a couple of times a week.
• 🥺 Incorporating awe-inspiring activities into our daily routine can lead to a more fulfilling and inspired life.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is awe and how does it affect us?

Awe is an emotion we feel when faced with something vast and beyond our understanding. It combines amazement with an edge of fear. Awe can dissolve our sense of self and make us feel small.

Q: What are some examples of how leaders have used awe to exert control?

Leaders throughout history have used grand buildings, monuments, and stories to make their subjects feel inconsequential. Examples include the pyramids of Egypt, the Inca temples of Peru, and Trump Tower.

Q: Can atheists feel awe too?

Absolutely! Atheists can experience awe when standing in front of a dinosaur skeleton, a cathedral, an amazing natural view, or a remarkable artwork. Awe is not restricted to religious or spiritual experiences.

Q: How does awe impact our behavior?

Awe can make us behave more ethically and generously. Research has shown that people who experience awe are more likely to help others and feel more connected to them.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Awe is the feeling we experience when confronted with something vast that transcends our frame of reference, and it can dissolve our sense of self.

• Throughout history, powerful leaders have used awe-inducing structures and stories to exert control over others.

• Awe can make us feel small, but it also alters our sense of self and can make us more ethical, generous, and happier.