When it's beyond us

The feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding.

Often confused with: Wonder

Inspires the wish to understand. Awe inspires the wish to let understanding go.

Often confused with: Awe, Curiosity

Information doesn't fit what you know. Uncomfortable — and the doorway to learning.

Recognizing a gap in your knowledge and wanting to close it. Requires admitting you don't know.

Often confused with: Interest, Wonder

A passing engagement. Lighter than curiosity — you notice, but aren't compelled to dig.

Often confused with: Curiosity

A brief, intense reaction to the unexpected. Lasts only seconds before becoming another feeling.