Social intelligence is a concept with political connotations. A concept which may appear to redefine or downplay the importance of intelligence in the traditional sense. I do not agree with this kind of feelgood thinking about the hard realities of life. Having said that, intelligence is but one of the requirements for society to function well. “Social Intelligence: The Revolutionary New Science of Human Relationships” examines other important facts about our social nature.

The book starts out by describing a scene where a quick witted commanding officer of a heavily armed platoon defuses a potentially dangerous situation. Approached by a confused and angry mob, he orders his soldiers to kneel on one knee, point their rifles down and smile.

daniel goleman, social intelligence

As it turns out, the brain functions at work in a situation like this are in part specialized for social interactions. The officer intuitively gets what’s going on because he can feel the emotions of the hostile mob. From there he skillfully acts to lower the tension in the interaction.

Increased focus on such skills, based on an understanding of the workings of our own social brains, seems to be the goal of Goleman with this book.

Many topics related to social interactions are discussed. From the workings of empathy to raising children to relationships effects on physical health. Overall a worthwhile read and good food for thought about the way we go about our lives.

Get it at Amazon.


Similar Posts: