Awe: Book Overview & Key Takeaways (Dacher Keltner)

A man reading a book with a waterfall in the background

What happens in your brain when you watch a stunning sunset or listen to soul-stirring music? How can experiencing moments of wonder transform your daily life and relationships? In his groundbreaking book Awe, psychology researcher Dacher Keltner reveals the science behind those breathtaking moments that make us feel connected to something larger than ourselves. His findings show that cultivating wonder can boost happiness, strengthen communities, and enhance overall health. Continue reading for an overview of this enlightening book.

The Science of Awe: Dacher Keltner on What Happens in the Brain

A woman who is experiencing awe and whose brain is shining illustrates the science of awe

What happens in your brain when you experience a moment of pure wonder? How can feeling awe actually bring people closer together? Psychology researcher Dacher Keltner discusses the science of awe in his book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. He explains that awe-inspiring experiences can reduce self-centered thinking and activate powerful group bonding mechanisms in our brains. Keep reading to discover how moments of wonder can transform both your mind and your relationships with others.

What Are Telomeres and Why Are They Important?

An image of a cell, nucleus, chromosome, telomere, and DNA to show what a telomere is and why it's important

What dictates how fast you age? What are telomeres and why are they important? Elizabeth Blackburn and Elissa Epel explain that telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences coated in protein. They act as protective caps on the ends of your chromosomes—the parts of your cells that contain genetic information, made of many different genes coiled up like tightly wound threads. Let’s look at the role of telomeres in our bodies and how they play into the aging process.

How to Increase Telomerase Levels With a Healthy Lifestyle

A purple and pink DNA strand, representing how to increase telomerase

What are ways to increase telomerase? Why is it good to boost your telomerase levels? Elizabeth Blackburn and Elissa Epel say that most cells can divide about 50 times before entering senescence in a process called the Hayflick Limit. However, an enzyme called telomerase can rebuild telomeres, allowing cells to bypass the Hayflick Limit.  Continue reading to learn how to increase telomerase levels.

Mental Shortcuts: 3 Common Ways the Brain Synthesizes Data

A cartoon of a walking brain on a path in the woods illustrates mental shortcuts

What happens when your brain processes constant input from your environment? How do mental shortcuts influence the way you perceive reality? Mental shortcuts help your brain manage the nonstop flow of complex information from your surroundings. Three of these automatic processes—simplifying, filtering, and modifying—shape how you interpret experiences and make decisions, often without your awareness. Keep reading to discover three common mental shortcuts and how they impact your daily life.

How Our Sensory Modalities & Their Nuances Shape Us

A woman smiling and smelling fresh-baked bread as she takes it out of the oven illustrates sensory modalities

What role do your senses play in shaping your thoughts and emotions? How do sensory experiences influence your behavioral choices and responses to different situations? When you think about past experiences or imagine future scenarios, your brain processes information through various sensory channels. Understanding how these sensory modalities work can help you recognize their impact on your emotional responses and decision-making patterns. Keep reading to discover how your brain constructs meaning from sensory experiences and learn why changing established thought patterns can be challenging.