The Reset Button

Think about how often you feel awed by the world around you—whether that means being amazed by a sunset, astounded by an architectural wonder, or uplifted by seeing someone overcome a great challenge. In Awe, psychology professor Dacher Keltner explains that such feelings of wonder draw us out of ourselves and put us in touch with something greater. Keltner argues that finding and experiencing awe is the key to living better, happier lives.

In this guide, we’ll define what Keltner means by “awe,” examine how it works in the brain, and discuss the purpose it serves us as a species. We’ll then show how Keltner says you can nurture awe by participating in the arts, exploring nature, and seeking out spiritual experiences. We’ll also go into further detail about the psychological basis for the benefits of wonder and explore other authors’ suggestions about where and how to find awe in your life.

You may have heard of Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs, usually presented as a pyramid, in which he lays out the basic needs people must meet in order to reach their full potential. In Transcend, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman argues that Maslow’s ideas about this “pyramid” of needs are largely misunderstood, and he provides an updated view that’s more in line with modern science and Maslow’s full body of work.

In this guide, we’ll go over the basics of Maslow’s work, and we’ll examine Kaufman’s updated hierarchy of needs, which he splits into two categories: security and growth. We’ll explore how you can meet your needs and realize your full potential. Then, we’ll explore how you can transcend your personal needs, simultaneously fulfilling them while reaching beyond them. Throughout the guide, we’ll provide a deeper understanding of Kaufman’s ideas by examining the works of other psychologists and critiques of Maslow’s ideas and presenting research from the fields of psychology, sociology, and neuroscience.

Feeling stressed, depressed, or just generally unhealthy? Consider the last time you went outside. In The Nature Fix, Florence Williams contends that humans have an innate affinity for nature, and thus the antidote to many of our physical and mental ailments is a good dose of the outdoors. From the practice of forest bathing in Japan to horticulture therapy in Sweden and river rafting in Idaho, Williams explores how researchers are tapping into the healing power of nature—and what those of us living in the urban jungle can do to reap its benefits.

Our guide begins by discussing how our lives and health have changed as we’ve increasingly become a city-dwelling species. Then, we’ll explore the research-backed benefits of being outdoors and take a look at how different countries are supporting their citizens’ health by giving them better access to nature. We’ll conclude with Williams’s prescription for using nature to improve our well-being. We’ll also include other experts’ and authors’ insights into the relationship between nature and health.

Think about how often you feel awed by the world around you—whether that means being amazed by a sunset, astounded by an architectural wonder, or uplifted by seeing someone overcome a great challenge. In Awe, psychology professor Dacher Keltner explains that such feelings of wonder draw us out of ourselves and put us in touch with something greater. Keltner argues that finding and experiencing awe is the key to living better, happier lives.

In this guide, we’ll define what Keltner means by “awe,” examine how it works in the brain, and discuss the purpose it serves us as a species. We’ll then show how Keltner says you can nurture awe by participating in the arts, exploring nature, and seeking out spiritual experiences. We’ll also go into further detail about the psychological basis for the benefits of wonder and explore other authors’ suggestions about where and how to find awe in your life.

You may have heard of Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs, usually presented as a pyramid, in which he lays out the basic needs people must meet in order to reach their full potential. In Transcend, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman argues that Maslow’s ideas about this “pyramid” of needs are largely misunderstood, and he provides an updated view that’s more in line with modern science and Maslow’s full body of work.

In this guide, we’ll go over the basics of Maslow’s work, and we’ll examine Kaufman’s updated hierarchy of needs, which he splits into two categories: security and growth. We’ll explore how you can meet your needs and realize your full potential. Then, we’ll explore how you can transcend your personal needs, simultaneously fulfilling them while reaching beyond them. Throughout the guide, we’ll provide a deeper understanding of Kaufman’s ideas by examining the works of other psychologists and critiques of Maslow’s ideas and presenting research from the fields of psychology, sociology, and neuroscience.

We tend to forget that humans are part of the animal kingdom. We prioritize intellect, reason, and productivity over instinct, feeling, and presence. But this lopsided way of living limits us. In this article, we explore six Great Thinkers’ advice for reconnecting with our animal selves and living more fully.

Think about how often you feel awed by the world around you—whether that means being amazed by a sunset, astounded by an architectural wonder, or uplifted by seeing someone overcome a great challenge. In Awe, psychology professor Dacher Keltner explains that such feelings of wonder draw us out of ourselves and put us in touch with something greater. Keltner argues that finding and experiencing awe is the key to living better, happier lives.

In this guide, we’ll define what Keltner means by “awe,” examine how it works in the brain, and discuss the purpose it serves us as a species. We’ll then show how Keltner says you can nurture awe by participating in the arts, exploring nature, and seeking out spiritual experiences. We’ll also go into further detail about the psychological basis for the benefits of wonder and explore other authors’ suggestions about where and how to find awe in your life.

You may have heard of Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs, usually presented as a pyramid, in which he lays out the basic needs people must meet in order to reach their full potential. In Transcend, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman argues that Maslow’s ideas about this “pyramid” of needs are largely misunderstood, and he provides an updated view that’s more in line with modern science and Maslow’s full body of work.

In this guide, we’ll go over the basics of Maslow’s work, and we’ll examine Kaufman’s updated hierarchy of needs, which he splits into two categories: security and growth. We’ll explore how you can meet your needs and realize your full potential. Then, we’ll explore how you can transcend your personal needs, simultaneously fulfilling them while reaching beyond them. Throughout the guide, we’ll provide a deeper understanding of Kaufman’s ideas by examining the works of other psychologists and critiques of Maslow’s ideas and presenting research from the fields of psychology, sociology, and neuroscience.