Most of us will never get the chance to look down on Earth from above. But simulating (模拟) this effect on Earth might do the trick. Seeing expansive videos of Earth has been found to boost people’s curiosity and creativity. That might be why you feel as if you are stepping outside yourself, and your internal monologue (独白) goes quiet.

Psychologyists Dacher Keltner and Jonathan Haidt define awe as the feeling we get when we’re faced with something vast, that is beyond our cognition (认知) and that we struggle to understand. It’s an emotion that combines amazement with an edge of fear, and it can weaken our very sense of self.

Throughout history, powerful leaders have made use of awe to apply control, using grand buildings, monuments and stories to make their people feel humble (谦卑的).

One study found that people drew themselves smaller after an awesome experience, but it didn’t affect their self-respect. Another study found that people who watched an awe-inspiring video estimated their bodies to be physically smaller than those who watched a funny or neutral video.

Using fMRI scans, scientists have discovered changes inside the brain that might be responsible. When people feel awe, the brain lowers activity in the areas thought to make up our sense of self.

Changing your sense of self might sound scary, but it can make you a better person. Research has shown that feeling awe can make people behave more morally and generously. Awe can have personal benefits as well. It’s been shown to make us feel happier and less stressed, even weeks after an awesome experience. Surveys suggest people feel low-level awe on average a couple of times a week. Getting more awe can simply be a process of thinking about what inspires awe for you and building it into your routine.

【小题1】Which of the following example can show the feeling of awe?

A．Watching an amusing video.

B．Enjoying a pleasant piece of music.

C．Observing a delicate flower in the wild.

D．Standing in front of the pyramids of Egypt.

【小题2】What is the effect of an awesome experience?

A．It holds up our innovation.

B．It makes us feel insignificant.

C．It strengthens our sense of self.

D．It urges you to pursue high social position.

【小题3】How does the brain react to the feeling of awe?

A．Its awareness improves.

B．Part of it runs more slowly.

C．The tissue of it is transformed.

D．The understanding of it sharpens.

【小题4】What can we infer from the last paragraph?

A．Low-level awe is the best choice.

B．Feeling awe is beneficial to people.

C．Changing self-concept is unacceptable.

D．The process is more important than the outcome.