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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 15, 2025

A Modified Mirror Test as a Visual Guide for the Self-awareness Trait in Wild Antarctica Penguins, Pygoscelis adeliae

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Published on: July 8, 2025

Awe, wonder, and the human mind.

Michelle N Shiota¹

¹Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

|March 4, 2021

Summary

The human mind creates models of the world with gaps, where awe emerges. Exploring awe

Area of Science:

Psychology
Cognitive Science

Background:

Human cognition involves creating complex mental models of the world.
These models inherently contain gaps, creating space for experiences like awe.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate the psychological implications of awe.
Explore awe's role in self-perception and environmental awareness.
Determine awe's potential for enhancing human well-being.

Main Methods:

Review of existing psychological research on awe.
Analysis of conceptual models in cognitive science.
Exploration of everyday experiences eliciting awe.

Main Results:

Awe arises from the boundaries of our conceptual models.

Keywords:

awe emotion mental representation self-concept well-being wonder

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Awe influences how individuals perceive their surroundings and self-identity.

Preliminary evidence suggests awe can be a tool for well-being.

Conclusions:

Further scientific inquiry into the fundamental nature of awe is warranted.
Awe is an accessible emotion with significant potential for improving the human experience.
Integrating awe into daily life may enhance overall well-being.