The Third Dimension of the Mind: Divinity and the Sense of Elevation
In human culture, group life can be divided into two distinct dimensions: the horizontal dimension and the vertical dimension.
The horizontal dimension represents the degree of intimacy or affection, while the vertical dimension symbolizes hierarchy or social status, determining our influence and position within a group.
Most of the time, our lives revolve within these two dimensions. However, on rare occasions, we experience an indescribable “sense of elevation.” This feeling is neither an interpersonal interaction on the horizontal axis nor an advancement in social status on the vertical axis—it is a form of spiritual transcendence that goes beyond the mundane.
Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt describes this psychological experience as the third dimension of human existence: divinity.
In certain religious settings—such as large-scale pilgrimage processions, Christian worship services, or the Hajj in Islam—we can sense the power of the collective and an inner resonance, leading to a profound sense of elevation.
However, divinity does not necessarily imply the literal existence of God or the ability to perceive God’s presence. Instead, it points to a psychological state—humans have an innate and irresistible longing for the sacred. The roots of this longing are deeply intertwined with our fundamental emotions.

Divinity and the Emotion of Disgust
Haidt’s research suggests that humanity’s pursuit of divinity may stem from an emotion that appears to be negative—disgust.
From a biological perspective, disgust plays a crucial role in helping humans filter their food choices, preventing us from consuming spoiled or harmful substances. However, as human physiology and culture evolved, the reaction triggered by disgust extended beyond physical substances to moral and spiritual dimensions.
Haidt found that across cultures, moral guidelines consistently exhibit taboos against pollutants such as blood and bodily waste. This is evident in religious texts like the Bible and the Qur’an, which contain numerous prohibitions against impure substances.
Our disgust response plays a significant role in shaping our moral compass. We don’t just seek external cleanliness—we also strive for inner purity.
For instance:
- When we see someone shouting aggressively in public, we feel discomfort.
- When we witness greed or deception, we feel contempt.
This psychological mechanism serves as the foundation for constructing both moral systems and spiritual experiences.
When Does the Sense of Elevation Occur?
I first became aware of the sense of elevation when visiting a traditional temple. The moment I stepped inside and smelled the incense, my entire body tensed up, overwhelmed by a sense of awe and reverence.
Non-religious experiences can also evoke this sensation—such as:
- Reading texts written centuries ago and feeling a deep resonance with the author across time.
- Appreciating a work of art, a piece of moving music, or a breathtaking film.
These moments allow us to momentarily transcend the two-dimensional world of horizontal and vertical interactions and touch upon the third dimension of the mind.

Why Pursue the Sense of Elevation?
Modern society is excessively focused on money and external success, which are merely expansions within the horizontal and vertical dimensions.
However, this pursuit often leads to emptiness. Psychological and philosophical research suggests that we must go beyond these limitations to explore deeper self-actualization and spiritual fulfillment.
In the science fiction novel Flatland, square-shaped beings cannot comprehend the existence of a three-dimensional world—until one of them is transported into three-dimensional space, experiencing an inexpressible sense of wonder.
Similarly, if we only live within horizontal and vertical dimensions, we limit our growth and perspective. The sense of elevation serves as a gateway to this new dimension.
Growth in Different Dimensions Is Not Contradictory
Whether through religion, art, or nature, we can find pathways leading to this dimension. These moments elevate us beyond the ordinary, connecting us to our inner depths and revealing a broader existence.
The sense of elevation is not merely a rare occurrence—it can be intentionally cultivated.
For instance:
- The concept of flow, frequently discussed in previous articles.
- Maslow’s “Peak experiences”, where deep focus and dedication to an activity can lead us into this third dimension of the mind.
By deliberately seeking out elevating experiences, we open the door to a richer and more profound existence beyond mere social success.

References:
- The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom By Jonathan Haidt
- Haidt, J. (2005). “Disgust and Elevation: Opposing Sources of ‘Spiritual Information’”. In C. L. Harper, Jr. (Ed.), “Spiritual information”: 100 perspectives. Philadelphia, PA: Templeton Foundation Press.
- Keltner, D., & Haidt, J. (2003). Approaching awe, a moral, spiritual, and aesthetic emotion. Cognition and Emotion, 17, 297-314.