A National Bestseller!Read this book to connect with your highest self.” —Susan Cain #1 New
York Times bestselling author of Bittersweet and QuietWe need more awe in our lives and Dacher
Keltner has written the definitive book on where to find it.” —Adam Grant #1 New York Times
bestselling author of Think AgainAwe is awesome in both senses: a superb analysis of an emotion
that is strongly felt but poorly understood with a showcase of examples that remind us of what
is worthy of our awe.” —Steven Pinker Johnstone Professor of Psychology Harvard University
and author of How the Mind Works and RationalityFrom a foremost expert on the science of
emotions and consultant to Pixar’s Inside Out a groundbreaking and essential exploration into
the history science and greater understanding of aweAwe is mysterious. How do we begin to
quantify the goose bumps we feel when we see the Grand Canyon or the utter amazement when we
watch a child walk for the first time? How do you put into words the collective effervescence
of standing in a crowd and singing in unison or the wonder you feel while gazing at
centuries-old works of art? Up until fifteen years ago there was no science of awe the
feeling we experience when we encounter vast mysteries that transcend our understanding of the
world. Scientists were studying emotions like fear and disgust emotions that seemed essential
to human survival. Revolutionary thinking though has brought into focus how through the span
of evolution we’ve met our most basic needs socially. We’ve survived thanks to our capacities
to cooperate form communities and create culture that strengthens our sense of shared
identity—actions that are sparked and spurred by awe. In Awe Dacher Keltner presents a radical
investigation and deeply personal inquiry into this elusive emotion. Revealing new research
into how awe transforms our brains and bodies alongside an examination of awe across history
culture and within his own life during a period of grief Keltner shows us how cultivating awe
in our everyday life leads us to appreciate what is most humane in our human nature. And during
a moment in which our world feels more divided than ever before and more imperiled by crises
of different kinds we are greatly in need of awe. If we open our minds it is awe that
sharpens our reasoning and orients us toward big ideas and new insights that cools our immune
system’s inflammation response and strengthens our bodies. It is awe that activates our
inclination to share and create strong networks to take actions that are good for the natural
and social world around us. It is awe that transforms who we are that inspires the creation of
art music and religion. At turns radical and profound brimming with enlightening and
practical insights Awe is our field guide from not only one of the leading voices on the
subject but a fellow seeker of awe in his own right for how to place awe as a vital force
within our lives.
