I can relate to so much of what you write here, Rosana. I felt the same way the first time I saw the Grand Canyon. When you come up to Mather Point from the parking lot you don't see the canyon until you get to the rise just before the observation deck. I burst into tears when I saw it, and no pictures could ever do it justice. It's pure magic, especially at sunset. I've been there four times now and every time it's as if I'm experiencing it for the first time.
The observations about 'awe' are fascinating. It's in our DNA, I think. What would we be without it? That may be where AI fails. It can never feel it.
I am so glad to hear that about the Grand Canyon! In my 61 years I've only been that one time, and it was such a short visit. I want to go back and look forward to feeling the magic again. And yes, AI can't feel that — phew!
Awe makes me feel glad to be alive and appreciate the vast universe we live in. I don't see any survival benefit in awe, but rather I view it as a side-effect of our evolutionary developed sense of consciousness. The fact that we can experience awe is in itself awesome.
I do see a survival benefit: awe gives us hope. It's hard to be angry or sad or depressed when we're in awe of something. It's like experiencing R&R. Our lives would be dreary without it.
"All people, no matter who they are, all wish they'd appreciated life more." -- David Bowie, from the quasi-biopic Moonage Daydream.
Love that quote!
I can relate to so much of what you write here, Rosana. I felt the same way the first time I saw the Grand Canyon. When you come up to Mather Point from the parking lot you don't see the canyon until you get to the rise just before the observation deck. I burst into tears when I saw it, and no pictures could ever do it justice. It's pure magic, especially at sunset. I've been there four times now and every time it's as if I'm experiencing it for the first time.
The observations about 'awe' are fascinating. It's in our DNA, I think. What would we be without it? That may be where AI fails. It can never feel it.
I am so glad to hear that about the Grand Canyon! In my 61 years I've only been that one time, and it was such a short visit. I want to go back and look forward to feeling the magic again. And yes, AI can't feel that — phew!
Awe makes me feel glad to be alive and appreciate the vast universe we live in. I don't see any survival benefit in awe, but rather I view it as a side-effect of our evolutionary developed sense of consciousness. The fact that we can experience awe is in itself awesome.
I do see a survival benefit: awe gives us hope. It's hard to be angry or sad or depressed when we're in awe of something. It's like experiencing R&R. Our lives would be dreary without it.
It is! We may never know how it developed, but it's great that we have that ability.
I am in awe now. Thank you!!!
Thanks for reading!!
Being around all these crazily blooming flowers this spring is certainly doing the trick! Thanks for another great column!
Thank you for reading!!