Social Intelligence

More about the book

Emotional Intelligence became a global sensation, topping the New York Times bestseller list for over a year and selling over five million copies. Daniel Goleman presents a groundbreaking synthesis of recent findings in biology and brain science, emphasizing our inherent need for connection and the profound effects of our relationships on our lives. Our interactions with parents, partners, bosses, and even strangers shape our brains and influence our bodies at the genetic level. In this exploration of social intelligence, Goleman reveals that we are naturally sociable, engaged in a "neural ballet" that links us to those around us. Our responses to others trigger biological effects, releasing hormones that affect our hearts and immune systems, making positive relationships beneficial and negative ones harmful. Emotions can be "caught" like a cold, and social isolation can shorten lives. Goleman discusses the accuracy of first impressions, charisma, sexual attraction, and lie detection, as well as the darker aspects of social intelligence, including narcissism and psychopathy. He highlights our capacity for "mindsight" and the challenges faced by those with impaired social awareness, such as autistic children. Goleman addresses how to raise happy children, foster nourishing marriages, inspire leaders, and bridge divides caused by prejudice. Ultimately, he conveys a hopeful message: we possess a natural inclination toward empathy