Psychologist Dacher Keltner explains how awe, triggered by vast or powerful experiences, makes people feel smaller and their problems less urgent. The effect boosts generosity and empathy. You don't need mountains or museums: trees, clouds, and sunsets work just as well.
What is that special feeling you get when you're standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon or gazing up at a sky full of stars on a clear night? Psychologist Dacher Keltner describes it as awe, and he finds that experiencing awe does something remarkable to the brain. In studies, people who experience awe report feeling physically smaller. Their personal problems feel less significant. They become more generous, more cooperative. Keltner and other researchers call this the small-self effect. When you encounter something vast, whether it's nature, art, or collective human achievement, you get perspective on your own life. You're better able to empathize with others. And here's what's surprising: you don't have to scale Mount Everest to trigger awe. Keltner found that awe was most commonly reported during simple walks outside. Trees, clouds, a sunset that you actually stop to watch. We spend most of our time zoomed in on our own problems. Sometimes a shift in perspective can give us the reset that we need. For For more insights about the science of the mind, tune into Hidden Brain on Apple, Spotify, or hiddenbrain.org.
