Why Feeling Small is the Biggest Secret to Happiness: The Science of Awe Explained

In a culture obsessed with self-promotion and achievement, the idea that feeling small could lead to happiness might seem counterintuitive. Yet, psychological research reveals that the emotion of awe does exactly that—it shrinks the self and quiets the ego, unlocking profound well-being.

The Small Self Effect refers to the experience during awe when individuals feel diminished in size or importance in relation to something vast. Studies show that after awe experiences, people draw themselves smaller in self-portraits and report reduced self-focus and narcissistic tendencies.

This ego quieting is not about feeling insignificant but about releasing the grip of self-centered concerns. It opens the door to humility, wonder, and curiosity, allowing us to engage more deeply with the world and others.

People who experience awe regularly report greater generosity, empathy, and social connection. This is because awe expands our sense of belonging beyond the individual to the collective, fostering cooperation and kindness.

Examples abound: from individuals moved by nature’s grandeur to those inspired by acts of moral beauty, awe shifts perspective and nurtures growth. The 'small self' paradoxically makes us feel larger in meaning and connection.

Understanding this dynamic invites us to seek awe deliberately—to step outside ourselves and embrace the vast mysteries that surround us. In doing so, we discover a deeper, more lasting happiness rooted in connection and humility.

Sources: This synthesis is informed by psychological research from the Greater Good Science Center and neuroscience studies on awe’s effects on the brain and behavior. 2 3