Everyone knows that high IQ is no guarantee of success, happiness, or virtue, but until the discoveries of modern brain researchers, theorists could only guess why. Daniel Goleman's fascinating report from the frontiers of psychology and neuroscience offers us startling new insight into our "two minds" -- the rational and the emotional -- and how they together shape our destiny. Beginning deep in the brain, Emotional Intelligence shows us the exact mechanism of an "emotional hijack," when passion overcomes reason. Through vivid examples, Goleman then delineates the crucial skills of emotional intelligence, and shows how they determine our success in relationships and work, and even our physical well-being. What emerges is a crucial new way to talk about being smart. The final chapters reveal the possibilities -- and limits -- of "emotional literary," as it is taught by both parents and educators. The book concludes with a compelling vision of what true emotional intelligence means for us both as individuals and as a society. The message of this eye-opening book is one we must take to heart: the true "bell curve" for a democracy must measure emotional intelligence. Daniel Goleman offers a new vision of excellence and a vital new curriculum for life that can change the future for us and our children.
The Western cultures esteem analytical skills measured by IQ tests: but there is clearly more to success and happiness, even in technological societies, than IQ alone. Goleman has written one of the best books on the nature and importance of other kinds of intelligence besides our perhaps overly beloved IQ. Recommended.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Excellent text
Comment: This is an excellent textbook about emotional intelligence. It is a quick, easy read and helps the reader clearly understand the importance, and depth, of how emotional intelligence guides people through life far beyond basic cognitive intelligence. It also helped me better understand why I have made some of the poor decisions of my own life. I received a high grade for the EQ v. IQ term paper ending my graduate coursework, resulting in my getting an "A" for the course. I am now nearly finished with my Master' program in adult education. This book is definitely a "keeper" for me.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Don't do it
Comment: Wow, this was a bad CD, I'm very happy that I didn't pay full price for this stinker. After wading through the usual pop psychology I came to the conclusion this CD was very basic and didn't any offer advice on how to use or grow your EI. If I had a time machine I'd go back in time, meet myself, and tell me not to waste my time or money. You'd be better served looking up the topic on Wiki.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: A important, alternative view of intelligence and what it means to succeed
Comment: We like to think that intelligence lies in logical thought; that the measurement of intelligence in IQ tests, GPAs, or by SAT scores is a reflection of how successful a person will be in life. However, many examples exist of those with steller achievement test scores or very high IQs failing to succeed in life. Daniel Goleman addresses this phenomemon in this book, and proposes that another kind of intelligence is more reflective of life success. Goleman states that factors such as self motivation, self control, and persistence have a significant influence on determining success and happines. Goleman terms these factors "emotional intelligence", and believes that mastering these factors is critical to success in marriage, family, school, and the workplace. By the same token, the mismanagement of the factors of emotional intelligence is at the core of much of human misery. Uncontrolled anger, anxiety, and depression have significant and severe impacts on day-to-day life. Goleman purports that one of the keys to counteracting the damaging effects of out-of-control emotions are exercises that strenghten emotional intelligence.

Goleman's book is a facinating read. He uses dramatic, concise examples to illustrate the critical aspects of emotional intelligence, and makes a case for including emotional intelligence in the core curriculum of public schools. This book represents the cusp of a much needed change in public education. The book's only weakness is a lack of a concrete plan or series of steps that can be used to bolster emotional intelligence. Other than that, it is an enlightening and engaging read.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Why Don't They Teach This Stuff in School?
Comment: If you happened to be raised in an especially well-adjusted home, you may already understand this stuff in a way that a lot of other people don't.

But how many people were raised this beautifully? The nuclear family is no longer a "given". I mentored challenged youth for five years in Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and many of today's children are in no position to understand emotional intelligence on the basis of what is going on at home.

I am the first one to agree that it SHOULD be the parents' responsibility to appropriately raise their children. However, reality is that there are a lot of challenged parents that are in return raising challenged youth, and this cycle generally goes on and on.

The schools would be doing themselves a huge favor if they presented this type of material in an age-appropriate manner.

This book makes a key point that is salient for people of all ages: venting is NOT cathartic. Instead of getting things out of your system, venting perpetuates the subject matter and breathes new life and fire into it, rather like a bellows bringing embers to flame. It is far better to let this type of ember die out than it is to renew its vitality.

Although this book can be rather "textbooky" (on the dry side) it is worth your while to digest it for your own sake, as well as for the benefit of any children that you may be influencing.

Thank you Mr. Goleman for giving this subject matter the analysis and attention it deserves.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Maybe not as good as some others.....
Comment: This book speaks of all the ways in which we can learn to interpret the world and the people in it through emotions. The concepts are very good and can be extremely helpful.

I was so excited to get this book, and read it. But then I was slightly disappointed. Perhaps it was because I had read so many other books prior to reading this one.

I just think there might be other books that either go into each concept a little more in depth, or are a lot more fun to read. Yes, I like it when books flow with inspiration or enjoyment. This one was a little stilted and I just wasn't satisfied after finishing it. I wanted more examples and more meaning behind them.

Some of the concepts were also "old hat" for me - I didn't learn as much as I had hoped. It wasn't as "ground breaking" as advertised. If you are new to this type of psychological understanding, it's a definite "reading list" item.

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