1. Selfishness or Generosity

Evolutionary biologists tell us that selfish strategies will not succeed in evolution and that the strategies that are evolutionarily robust are generosity/cooperativeness. Yet, we seem to be increasingly becoming a self-absorbed society of narcissism, entitlement, and depression.

1.1. Experience of Awe & Wonder

Humans are said to be the only species that get “goose bumps” in response to awe and wonder (other mammals seem to get in response to threat). For humans, it is usually a positive feeling in the presence of something vast, amazing, marvelous, and something greater than ourselves. Research shows that there is a direct correlation between the experience of awe/wonder and being less individualistic, less self-focused, less materialistic, more generous, more helpful, more cooperative, and more connected to those around us.

2. The Glory and Majesty of Creation

King David says in Psalm 139:14: “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well”. He says in Psalm 19:1 “The heavens tell of the glory of God; And their expanse declares the work of His hands”. The natural and right reaction to the awe, wonder, and marvel of God’s glorious creation is to take a moment to worry less about ourselves by turning our eyes toward God and others (“Love God.. Love neighbor” – Matthew 22:36-40).

2.1. No Excuse of Ignorance

Romans 1:20 says that nobody has an excuse for feigning ignorance of God, or for doing what is wrong: “Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities… have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made”. If that is so, those of us living in the Mountain-West region, with all the beautiful mountains, canyons, forests, fall colors, the grand canyon, etc, should have even less of an excuse!

3. Cure for Our Narcissism!

It seems that a daily dose of awe and wonder will cure us of our narcissism and any other spiritual or mental health issues we may have a tendency to have!