Books involving scientific investigation are often focused on answers. Dacher Kelter’s book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life spends a lot of time asking questions. This proves to be an appropriate way to tackle perhaps the most abstract topic one can conceive of. Keltner quickly offers up a concise definition: “Awe is the emotion we experience when we encounter vast mysteries we don’t understand.” As he explores the many implications of his words, questions become as important as answers. Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life emphasizes the import of the journey as opposed to the destination.
Even the definition of awe above suggests the experience is tied to large, open landscapes, ocean views, or perspectives from the air or space. And while it is true that can experience awe in these situations, the true power of Keltner’s book is that he discusses and demonstrates that awe can and often is an intimate, personal occurrence. Early in the book, he begins to tell his own story of his brother’s death, and how he found awe in those moments and beyond. It’s powerful writing, and is a through-line in the book, as he spells out the Eight Wonders of Life wherein one is likely to find awe.
While awe is all about the vast, Keltner spells out how we find and experience awe in smaller places, during our everyday lives. Awe proves to be a key component of spirituality, and has physical health benefits. Keltner explores this emotion both scientifically and anecdotally, emphasizing the import of narrative and story. It also gives the book a lot of texture, which is to say make it easier and more fun to read. By the time you reach the final paragraph, you’ll be right there, with the author, asking the same questions he is, and much better informed to be finding your own answers.
Dacher Keltner is in many ways, an ideal interviewee, as he is used to both asking and answering questions. You can find both at this link, or take your device with you and listen to him speak under a starry sky.
Narrative Species 