Awe: The Transformative Power of Everyday Wonder

Awe is a ground-breaking exploration into the history, psychology, and meaning of awe, according to social psychologist Dacher Keltner. He argues that happiness comes down to finding awe, which allows us to collaborate with others, open our minds to wonder, and see the deep patterns of life. Keltner presents a radical investigation into this elusive emotion, drawing on his own scientific research and personal stories from people all over the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2024
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Awe, a captivating exploration into the history, psychology, and profound meaning of this elusive emotion, emerges from the insightful mind of social psychologist Dacher Keltner. Throughout his illustrious career, Keltner has dedicated himself to engaging diverse groups of people, ranging from schoolchildren to prisoners to healthcare workers, in conversations centered around the pursuit of a fulfilling life. Through these profound exchanges and his groundbreaking research into the science of emotion, Keltner has come to a profound realization: happiness, at its core, hinges upon the cultivation of awe.

Awe, a transformative force, enables us to forge meaningful connections with others, expands our minds to embrace wonder, and reveals the intricate tapestry of life. In his latest book, Keltner embarks on a radical investigation into this elusive emotion, drawing upon his extensive scientific research into how awe reshapes our brains and bodies. Alongside a comprehensive examination of awe across different historical, cultural, and personal contexts, Keltner unveils how nurturing wonder leads us to cherish the most humane aspects of our human nature.

The book is a testament to the power of personal stories, featuring intensely moving and deeply personal accounts of awe from individuals from all walks of life. Doctors, veterans, environmentalists, filmmakers, indigenous scholars, hospice workers, ministers, midwives, poets, and prisoners alike share their awe-inspiring experiences, illuminating the universal nature of this emotion.

Awe oscillates between radical and profound, serving as a guiding light for uncovering the everyday wonder that resides within our lives. It encourages us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the extraordinary in the ordinary, fostering a deeper sense of connection, gratitude, and awe-inspiring appreciation for the world around us. Through Keltner's profound insights and captivating storytelling, Awe emerges as a transformative tool, empowering us to embrace the magic and wonder that permeates our existence.

Weight: 246g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802061161