In summary, the present study provides evidence for a relationship between self-transcendence, a character personality trait of the temperament and character inventory, and temporal cortical GM volumes relative to individual head size in late adulthood. Whether the relationship is due to the favorable consequences of large temporal cortical GM volume on personality, or vice versa, is a matter of debate. Moreover, the present study examined brain structure, and although the relationship was strong, there are other biological and psychological factors associated with self-transcendence. Finally, it is possible that self-transcendence and GM volume are not directly related, but that they are linked to a common, yet unknown biological agent