Elevation

I noticed on Urlesque today there was an article about a new State Farm commercial. What interested me was how the author described his reaction:

Those tricksters at State Farm premiered their campaign featuring people helping people … and it will pretty much make you want to hug everyone within a five mile radius.

Jonathan Haidt of the University of Virginia has done research on the feeling of “elevation,” which indicates that oxytocin is released when people see a virtuous act. Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter known to cause bonding, feelings of trust, and calmness. That seems to fit pretty well with what this author is describing.

Elevation is one of a few experiences associated with inspiration. (Perhaps this writer got up and did something virtuous after seeing this commercial – though it’s unlikely because of oxytocin’s calming effects. I’m sure State Farm hopes he bought insurance.) Admiration (associated with skill) and awe (associated with vastness) are two others experiences that might be involved in inspiration. What inspires you to actually get up and do something?