On Awe

The word “awe” expresses how I feel when I witness the intense power of combining science with creativity. The interaction of science and art opens up endless possibilities and adventures for me. I can explore the natural phenomena that happen without human interference, and the creative outcomes that emerge from human interaction with nature.

“Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your understanding of the world.” “Awe drives people to paradigm-shifting discoveries and new technologies.” - Dacher Keltner, “Why Do We Feel Awe?”

Awe is a powerful emotion that can transform our lives in profound ways. Awe is the feeling of being amazed, astonished, or overwhelmed by something that transcends our ordinary understanding of the world. Awe can inspire curiosity, creativity, gratitude, compassion, and even happiness.

One of the best ways to experience awe is to enjoy nature. Nature offers us countless opportunities to witness the beauty, complexity, and diversity of life on Earth. Whether it is a majestic mountain range, a colorful sunset, a vast ocean, or a delicate flower, nature can fill us with wonder and awe.

Digital photography represents the perfect exploration and expression of awe and the intersection of science and creativity – in its ability to capture what we see in nature, yet supplement it, harness it, or even contort it in ways that can enhance or obscure our observations and create ... art.

Dacher Keltner's writings invite us to experience awe as a valuable emotion that can enrich our lives in many ways. By enjoying nature and photography, we can cultivate awe and experience its benefits.