Analytic of the Sublime

The Analytic of the Sublime, developed by philosopher Immanuel Kant, explores how our minds experience the overwhelming feeling of the sublime—when something is so vast, powerful, or awe-inspiring that it exceeds our usual understanding. Kant explains that the sublime challenges our senses and reason, but also elevates us by revealing our capacity for moral and rational thought. It combines feelings of fear or awe with a sense of admiration, ultimately inspiring a deeper recognition of our own dignity and mental strength in the face of the vast or infinite.