Save the date for TEDxClevelandStateUniversity - Untangling Wonder
Friday, October 23, 2026
3-8 p.m.
Waetjen Auditorium
Music and Communications Building
2001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, 44115 

TEDxClevelandStateUniversity is more than an event — it is a platform for expanding thinking, amplifying ideas and fostering meaningful conversations across campus and the Greater Cleveland community.

Untangling Wonder invites the community to step into the unknown with curiosity, courage and imagination. It reflects CSU’s commitment to push the boundaries of knowledge, discovery, innovation and creativity. 

An immersive experience where ideas ignite curiosity, creativity and conversation, Untangling Wonder invites you to explore the mysteries, complexities and possibilities that shape our world.

Join us for an afternoon of discovery as we unravel ideas, expand perspectives and celebrate the power of wonder at TEDxClevelandStateUniversity. 

Untangling: to loosen or straighten out something that is in knots or snarled; figuratively to resolve confusing or complicated situations or mysteries

Wonder: to be filled with curiosity, admiration, amazement or fascination; as a noun, something strange, extraordinary or astonishing; as a verb to marvel, to feel surprise, awe, veneration or doubt; existentially, deeper reflection on life’s “big questions” and our place in the world, emotionally

Today, there are four agreed upon psychological dimensions of wonder which are cognitive, emotional, motivational and existential. It is generally agreed upon that wonder is distinct but closely related to awe. Much like a university environment, wonder is often associated with a more ongoing state of curiosity and contemplation. 

The dimensions are cognitive, emotional, motivational and existential.

Cognitive: Wonder begins with a “meaning gap” — an unexplained phenomenon, a surprising insight or a new perspective. This gap activates curiosity and drives our desire to explore, question and understand. 

Emotional: Wonder is a blend of fascination, surprise, awe and even confusion. This emotional mix heightens sensory awareness and releases dopamine, enhancing engagement and memory. 

Motivational: Experiencing wonder fuels creativity, innovation and prosocial behavior. 
It invites generosity, openness, humility and the pursuit of meaningful goals. 

Existential: Wonder can prompt reflection on purpose, meaning, and one’s place in the world. It often leads to spiritual, philosophical, or moral insight — a feeling of being connected to something larger.