Awe is an extremely powerful emotion, and we can feel its power in the very experience - standing before a vast canyon, watching golden autumn leaves tumble to the ground, or even seeing someone stand up to injustice.

As it turns out, this feeling doesn’t just affect us in the moment, but also has lasting effects.

In studies at Berkeley lab, scientists discovered that when people felt awe, for example, by standing in front of the replica of a T-Rex skeleton, or by gazing at the tallest eucalypts in North America, their identity would be affected - identifying more with something greater than themselves, with societal responsibility for example.

They would also be more willing to help a stranger in need after feeling awe, and more likely to feel greater well-being in the weeks afterwards.

Awe is awesome.

For the transcript head to the website at: In Awe A Beautiful Thought