Awe

Awe is difficult to define, and the meaning of the word has changed over time. Related concepts are wonderadmirationelevation, and the sublime. In Awe: The Delights and Dangers of Our Eleventh Emotionneuropsychologist and positive psychology guru Pearsall presents a phenomenological study of awe. He defines awe as an “overwhelming and bewildering sense of connection with a startling universe that is usually far beyond the narrow band of our consciousness.” Pearsall sees awe as the 11th emotion, beyond those now scientifically accepted (i.e., lovefearsadnessembarrassmentcuriosityprideenjoyment,
 despairguilt, and anger).”[7] Most definitions allow for awe to be a positive or a negative experience, but when asked to describe events that elicit awe, most people only cite positive experiences.[8]

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