The Science of Awe: Why We Seek Wonder

Why Do We Chase Awe-Inspiring Experiences?

In 2013 alone:
- 4.5 million visited Grand Canyon National Park
- 3.5 million explored Yosemite
- Cirque du Soleil generated $850 million in revenue
- Cities worldwide spent millions on fireworks displays
- NASA invested $10 billion+ in the Hubble Telescope

An economist might call these expenditures irrational. But as emotion researchers, we see a deeper pattern: these experiences all trigger awe—that spine-tingling feeling when confronting something vast that transcends our understanding.

What Is Awe? The Science Behind the Emotion

Awe has distinct characteristics:
- Physiological response: Widened eyes, raised eyebrows, relaxed jaw (not smiling)
- Mental state: Time perception alters, mundane concerns fade
- Evolutionary purpose: May enhance information processing (unlike other positive emotions)

How Awe Changes Our Thinking: Key Research Findings

In landmark studies by Michelle Shiota's lab:
1. Participants recalled awe experiences (vs. other emotions)
2. They then evaluated persuasive arguments about college exams

Fascinating results:
- Those feeling awe analyzed arguments critically—only convinced by strong evidence
- Other positive emotions (amusement, contentment) led to superficial "argument counting"

This suggests awe:
- Sharpens analytical thinking
- Reduces cognitive biases
- Promotes careful information processing

The Evolutionary Value of Awe

Why would humans develop this capacity? Our species thrives on:
- Knowledge acquisition
- Environmental understanding
- Predictive modeling

Awe may act as a cognitive reset button, stripping away assumptions so we can:
- Absorb new information
- Update mental models
- See the world with fresh eyes

How to Cultivate Awe: The Awe Walk Technique

Time required: 15 minutes

Best locations:
- Natural: Mountain vistas, old-growth forests, shorelines
- Urban: Skyscraper views, historic monuments, art districts
- Indoor: Planetariums, cathedrals, museums

Step-by-step guide:
1. Disconnect: Leave your phone behind
2. Adopt beginner's mind: See familiar places anew
3. Seek novelty: Regularly explore new environments
4. Slow down: Let details reveal themselves

Unanswered Questions in Awe Research

Scientists are still exploring:
- Why some people are more "awe-prone"
- How awe affects social interactions
- Whether awe always promotes open-mindedness
- Neural mechanisms behind awe experiences

The Takeaway

From canyon vistas to circus performances, our pursuit of awe reflects a deep human need—not just for entertainment, but for expanding our understanding of reality. These moments of wonder may be essential to how we learn, grow, and make sense of our place in the universe.