Urban Issues: Lecture 7 — Awe and Time

In Lecture 7 of the Urban Issues series, we explore the emotion of awe and its influence on perception, identity, health, meaning, and human behavior. Drawing from the work of Dacher Keltner and research in psychology and neuroscience, this lecture examines why awe may be one of the most transformative experiences available to the human condition. Through the lenses of architecture, nature, spirituality, and community, we investigate how awe can reshape our sense of self, encourage prosocial behavior, and influence the way we relate to one another and the world around us. The lecture also considers whether cities and institutions should intentionally cultivate experiences that inspire wonder, humility, curiosity, and connection. Topics covered in this lecture include: – Dacher Keltner's research on awe. – Vastness and accommodation as core components of awe. – The relationship between awe, fear, wonder, and the unknown. – Psychological and physiological effects associated with awe. – Architecture, nature, and awe-inspiring environments. – Prosocial behavior, empathy, generosity, and social connection. – Spiritual and transcendent experiences across cultures. – The role of awe in human flourishing and healthy civilizations. This lecture is part of the Chrysalis Academy series, dedicated to exploring human experience, healthy urbanism, and the design of more conscious, humane, and sustainable societies through systems thinking and ethical awareness. If this lecture resonates with you, consider supporting Chrysalis Academy and becoming part of the community. Your support helps bring more lectures, essays, books, and educational resources to life. 📖 Website: https://www.seyarkalmoni.com ☕ Patreon (essays + community):   / seyarkalmoni   📱 Linktree: https://www.linktr.ee/SeyarKalmoni Videos referenced in this lecture include: – Huberman Lab Podcast: Psychedelics and the Brain    • Cultivating Awe & Emotional Connection in ...   – Dacher Keltner: The Science of Awe    • Dacher Keltner: Why Awe Is Such an Importa...   – Min Shaware3 Loubnan (من شوارع لبنان)    / @streetslebanon   Special thanks to the creators whose work contributed to the ideas and examples discussed throughout this lecture. Visualization Notice: Some visualizations in this presentation were conceptually directed and created by the author using AI-assisted image generation tools. #urbandesign #architecture #awe #psychology #neuroscience #urbanissues #humancentereddesign #civilization