Yes, awe can sharpen your brain in the sense that it shifts your thinking toward greater curiosity, flexibility, and openness to new information—though it does not boost raw IQ or memory. Research from psychologists like Dacher Keltner at UC Berkeley shows that experiencing awe reduces mental chatter and makes you more receptive to details, which can improve learning and decision-making in everyday situations.
What Is Awe, Exactly?
Awe is the emotion you feel when you encounter something vast and mysterious that challenges your usual way of understanding the world. Think of staring up at a star-filled sky, standing before a massive redwood, or watching a powerful thunderstorm roll in. Psychologists define awe as having two core features: perceived vastness (something feels larger than yourself) and need for accommodation (your mental models have to stretch to take it in).
This definition comes from the foundational work of Keltner and Jonathan Haidt in 2003, who argued that awe is distinct from simple wonder or surprise because of that element of vastness. Since then, dozens of studies have explored how awe affects cognition, emotion, and even physical health.
How Awe Changes Your Brain
When you experience awe, your brain does not just feel good—it processes information differently. Here’s what research has found:
- Reduced default mode network activity: The default mode network (DMN) is active when your mind wanders or you think about yourself. Awe seems to quiet this self-focused chatter, which can reduce rumination and make you more present.
- Increased openness to new information: Awe makes you feel less certain about your own knowledge, which motivates you to learn. In one study, people who felt awe were more likely to revise their beliefs when presented with conflicting evidence.
- Better memory for peripheral details: Because awe broadens your attention, you notice more of what’s around you. This can improve memory for contextual details, though it may also make you less focused on a single task.
- Lower inflammation markers: While not directly about “sharpness,” awe has been linked to lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which supports overall brain health.
These effects are not permanent—they last for a short period after the experience—but they suggest that regular awe can train your brain to be more flexible and curious over time.
Why Awe Makes You Feel Small (and Why That’s Good)
One of the most counterintuitive findings is that awe makes you feel smaller and less important. This “small self” feeling is actually beneficial for learning because it reduces ego defensiveness. When you don’t feel like you already know everything, you’re more willing to listen, ask questions, and consider other perspectives.
For example, in a 2018 study published in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, participants who wrote about an awe experience were more likely to choose a learning activity over a fun one, and they showed greater persistence on difficult puzzles. The feeling of being part of something larger than yourself seems to shift your motivation from short-term pleasure to long-term growth.
Can You Get Awe on Demand?
You don’t have to climb Mount Everest to get these benefits. Researchers have found that awe can be triggered by simple everyday experiences:
- Watching a sunset or sunrise
- Looking at photos of nature (even on a screen)
- Listening to a moving piece of music
- Reading about scientific discoveries or space exploration
- Witnessing an act of extraordinary kindness
In fact, a 2015 study from the University of California, Berkeley, found that participants who took weekly “awe walks” (walking while deliberately looking for something awe-inspiring) reported greater positive emotions and less distress over the course of eight weeks. The key is to intentionally shift your attention to something vast and beautiful.
Awe vs. Other Positive Emotions
Awe is often lumped together with happiness or gratitude, but it’s distinct in how it affects cognition. Happiness generally makes you more self-focused and satisfied with the status quo, while awe makes you more curious and open to change. Gratitude ties you to other people, while awe connects you to the larger world.
This difference matters for learning. Awe’s ability to disrupt your usual thinking patterns is what makes it so powerful for mental flexibility. It’s like a reset button for your assumptions.
Common Misconceptions About Awe
One common myth is that awe is only for nature lovers or spiritual people. In reality, awe is a universal emotion that can be found in art, music, science, and even in the kindness of strangers. Another misconception is that awe makes you passive or less critical. Actually, awe makes you more likely to question your own beliefs, which is a form of critical thinking.
Some people worry that awe might make them feel depressed because of the “small self” effect. But studies show that awe increases feelings of connectedness and humility, not worthlessness. The smallness is about perspective, not self-esteem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does awe improve memory?
Awe doesn’t necessarily improve memory for everything, but it can improve memory for contextual details because it broadens your attention. You might remember more about the environment around an event, though you might not remember a specific fact better.
Can awe be bad for you?
In rare cases, awe can be overwhelming or frightening (like during a natural disaster), which triggers stress rather than learning. But in safe contexts, awe is generally beneficial. If you feel anxious during awe, it might be a sign that the experience is too intense for your current state.
How often should I experience awe?
There’s no set prescription, but research suggests that even a few times a week can have noticeable effects. A 2018 study found that participants who had awe experiences three times a week for two weeks reported lower stress and greater life satisfaction.
Can awe help with anxiety or depression?
Some studies suggest that awe can reduce rumination and promote positive emotions, which may help with mild anxiety or depression. However, it is not a substitute for professional treatment. If you have a mental health condition, awe can be a complementary practice, but you should still seek appropriate care.
Is awe the same as being “mindful”?
Not quite. Mindfulness is about non-judgmental attention to the present moment, while awe involves an encounter with something vast that changes your perspective. You can be mindful without feeling awe, and you can feel awe without formal mindfulness practice.
How to Bring More Awe into Your Life
If you want to reap the cognitive benefits of awe, here are simple, evidence-based ways to start:
- Take an “awe walk” once a week—go somewhere new or look for details you’ve never noticed.
- Watch a documentary about space, nature, or human achievement.
- Read poetry or literature that describes vast landscapes or profound ideas.
- Listen to music that gives you chills—that’s a sign of awe.
- Talk to someone about a time you felt awe; recalling it can rekindle the feeling.
These practices are not just feel-good activities; they are a form of mental exercise that keeps your brain flexible and open to learning. So yes, awe sharpens your brain—not by making you a genius, but by making you a better thinker.
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