Awe

The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life

By: Dacher Keltner

Narrated by: Dacher Keltner

Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

A National Bestseller!

"Read this book to connect with your highest self.”—Susan Cain, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Bittersweet and Quiet

“We 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 Again

“Awe 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 Rationality

From a foremost expert on the science of emotions, a groundbreaking and essential exploration into the history, science, and greater understanding of awe

Awe is mysterious. How do we begin to quantify the goose bumps we feel when we see the Grand Canyon, or our utter amazement when we watch a child walk for the first time? Until recently, there was no science of awe, that feeling we experience when we encounter vast mysteries that transcend our understanding of the world. Revolution­ary thinking, though, has shown how humans have survived over the course of evolution thanks to our capacities to cooperate, form communities, and create culture—all of which are spurred by awe.

In Awe, Dacher Keltner presents a sweeping investigation and deeply personal inquiry into this elusive feeling. Revealing new re­search alongside an examination of awe across history, culture, and within his own life, Keltner shows us how cultivating awe in our ev­eryday lives leads us to appreciate what is most humane in our human nature. At turns radical and profound, brimming with enlightening and practical insights, Awe is our field guide for how to place this emotion as a vital force within our lives.

©2023 Dacher Keltner (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Humanity has a lot of loss to work through. Keltner has written the perfect guidebook for this journey, interweaving discoveries that he and his disciples have made since he pioneered the scientific study of awe 20 years ago with highly personal—and at times excruciatingly tender—meditations on the death of his brother Rolf.” —Harvard Business Review

“A gifted storyteller, Keltner draws on the experiences of individuals across the world to document the salutary impact of everyday, wild and mystical encounters with nature, music, visual art, literature, religion, the birth of children, and the death of loved ones.” —Psychology Today

“Your goosebumps when you listen to Beethoven; your wonder as you behold the Grand Canyon; your amazement at the sheer perfection of a baby’s tiny foot. You’ve probably sensed that such moments of awe are some of the most profound experiences ever to happen to you. But if you’ve ever wondered where these moments come from, what they mean, and how to experience them more often: there is no better guide than Dacher Keltner, the great and wise Berkeley psychologist. Read this book to connect with your highest self.” —Susan Cain, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Bittersweet and Quiet

AWE-inspiring!

This book is a must-read in these unsettling times, to help reacquaint readers with the supreme awe that can be found all around us. This was a joy.

worth trying

awe is seldom studied and intentionally practiced. Autor makes a great case off bringing more are into ones life

This book inspired me

I wrote a book about God but the grammar nazis attacked me despite the fact it passed the test on Word. This book motivated me to write my book as a series of poems that follow the pattern of e e cummings.

Wonderful work on a complex topic

I most appreciate his blend of research, story, and synthesis. A remarkable work with fantastic insights into a puzzling phenomenon.

Overview of Awe Studies

Keltner is to Awe as Brene Brown is to shame and shame-resilience. Whether you’re new to or well-versed in the science of awe, this is an excellent primer to the research.

No real substance

Lots is indirect reference to the “science of awe” without very concrete evidence or factual arguments

Awe-filled After Listening!

From the first chapter and the ideas and stories that the author brings forth - my mindset has been affected. My cup runneth over with awe - seeing, hearing, living it!

Really dry

I usually really like books like this. I read several dozen with similar concepts. The author, while covering interesting content, is quite dull in the delivery.

Love the idea more than the product

I've listened to interviews with Dachner Keltner and was enthralled. I love the premise of his work and agree with many of his sentiments. For a book on awe though, this audiobook was profoundly unmoving. There were sections I loved, especially on Wild Awe in nature, but overall it felt redundant and drawn out. I could have stuck with the podcasts.

A beautifully written book in the same vein, however, is 'Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age' by Katherine May. I would absolutely recommend reading her work!

Wanted to be awed

Love the subject and idea but the writing could have been more inspiring or it could have been shorter. I think it was a bit too drawn out.