Wonder - by Vlad P Glaveanu (Paperback)

About the Book

"This book is dedicated to wonder and wondering, mundane phenomena that, despite their great value for education and other spheres of human experience, often go unnoticed both inside and outside the classroom. Praised as the origin of philosophy in ancient times, the concern for understanding and educating wonder has been present throughout history. It is not only the case that this basic psychological process opens our everyday experience to what is possible, what lies beyond the here-and-now, but does so with extraordinary consequences. Wonder transforms our experience of the world from early childhood onwards. It is ever-present in children's play and games, it offers constant opportunities for learning and it fuels our creativity. And yet, we know little about this phenomenon, its biological, psychological, social and cultural underpinning, and even less about how to foster it and harness its benefits in education. This book fills this gap and gives a scientific yet accessible account of wondering. It proposes a new way of understanding wonder, while at the same time offering practical tools for cultivating wonder within ourselves, our interpersonal relations, and within educational practice."

Book Synopsis

This book is dedicated to wonder and wondering, mundane phenomena that, despite their great value for education and other spheres of human experience, often go unnoticed both inside and outside the classroom. Praised as the origin of philosophy in ancient times, the concern for understanding and educating wonder has been present throughout history. It is not only the case that this basic psychological process opens our everyday experience to what is possible, what lies beyond the here-and-now, but does so with extraordinary consequences. Wonder transforms our experience of the world from early childhood onwards. It is ever-present in children's play and games, it offers constant opportunities for learning and it fuels our creativity. And yet, we know little about this phenomenon, its biological, psychological, social and cultural underpinning, and even less about how to foster it and harness its benefits in education.

This book fills this gap and gives a scientific yet accessible account of wondering. It proposes a new way of understanding wonder, while at the same time offering practical tools for cultivating wonder within ourselves, our interpersonal relations, and within educational practice.

Review Quotes

Wonder offers readers a compelling and comprehensive exploration of how the seemingly ordinary act of wondering can lead to profoundly new possibilities for navigating life's uncertainties.
Ronald A. Beghetto, Pinnacle West Presidential Chair and Professor of Teacher Education, Arizona State University, USA

Awe, contemplation, curiosity, and pondering are the ingredients of what we call wonder. Philosophy begins with wonder for Plato. And for Neil Armstrong, wonder is the basis of the human desire to understand. This book offers a comprehensive journey through the complex psychological phenomenon of wonder. A must read, in case you were wondering.
Todd Lubart, Professor of Psychology, University of Paris, France

This insightful, probing, and often profound book will make you reflect on your own passion, sense of curiosity, and values. Wonder tackles an enormous topic and delivers tenfold, with anecdotes, history, and humor joining discussions of art, science, philosophy, and politics. Highly recommended!
James C. Kaufman, University of Connecticut, USA

About the Author

Vlad P. Glaveanu is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Psychology at Webster University Geneva, Switzerland. He is editor of The Creativity Reader (2018) and co-editor of Handbook of Imagination and Culture (2017).