Awe is a powerful emotion that reshapes how we see ourselves and the world. It makes us feel small in the face of something vast—like a starry sky or a moving piece of music—yet paradoxically lifts us beyond our individual concerns, fostering a deep sense of self-transcendence.

Our research shows that awe promotes the pursuit of the authentic self, leading to authentic prosociality (JPSP, 2022) and a stronger sense of meaning in life, especially for those who struggle with authenticity (Emotion, 2024).

Awe also changes how we experience solitude: it helps people feel comfortably alone rather than lonely, fostering positive attitudes towards solitude. Remarkably, even a brief dose of daily awe experiences—whether through nature, art, or everyday moments—can significantly boost well-being (Nature Mental Health, 2024; JPSP, 2024).

In a busy, often self-focused world, awe reconnects us to something larger—and to our most authentic selves.