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Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships
Source: Daniel Goleman
MSRP: $14.00 Average Cost: $15.74
Emotional Intelligence was an international phenomenon, appearing on the New York Times bestseller list for over a year and selling more than five million copies worldwide. Now, once again, Daniel Goleman has written a groundbreaking synthesis of the latest findings in biology and brain science, revealing that we are “wired to connect” and the surprisingly deep impact of our relationships on every aspect of our lives.
Far more than we are consciously aware, our daily encounters with parents, spouses, bosses, and even strangers shape our brains and affect cells throughout our bodies—down to the level of our genes—for good or ill. In Social Intelligence, Daniel Goleman explores an emerging new science with startling implications for our interpersonal world. Its most fundamental discovery: we are designed for sociability, constantly engaged in a “neural ballet” that connects us brain to brain with those around us.
Our reactions to others, and theirs to us, have a far-reaching biological impact, sending out cascades of hormones that regulate everything from our hearts to our immune systems, making good relationships act like vitamins—and bad relationships like poisons. We can “catch” other people’s emotions the way we catch a cold, and the consequences of isolation or relentless social stress can be life-shortening. Goleman explains the surprising accuracy of first impressions, the basis of charisma and emotional power, the complexity of sexual attraction, and how we detect lies. He describes the “dark side” of social intelligence, from narcissism to Machiavellianism andpsychopathy. He also reveals our astonishing capacity for “mindsight,” as well as the tragedy of those, like autistic children, whose mindsight is impaired.
Is there a way to raise our children to be happy? What is the basis of a nourishing marriage? How can business leaders and teachers inspire the best in those they lead and teach? How can groups divided by prejudice and hatred come to live together in peace?
The answers to these questions may not be as elusive as we once thought. And Goleman delivers his most heartening news with powerful conviction: we humans have a built-in bias toward empathy, cooperation, and altruism–provided we develop the social intelligence to nurture these capacities in ourselves and others.
Reviews of: Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships
Review by:
Posted on August 29, 2008 5:16 AM PDT
2 of 2 people found this review helpful:
Price Paid: $13.00
Recommends this product or service? Yes.
Social Intelligence
I grabbed this book from my parents' basement when I was over once. Mom kind of shrugged and told me it was fine. We tend to like similar things, so I was a little hesitant to read once it had been shrugged off.
Goleman has some great observations and theories about relationships, how they are affected, and how they affect. A large contributer to relationships is obviously emotions, which is addressed in the book. However, though there are some great thought in this book, there are also places where it is lacking. The new ideas are great, but there just aren't enough of them. They are scattered throughout the book so much so that it is easy to miss one, drowned out as they are by other information.
This book's views of the human brain and how it reacts in relationships was very interesting and worth a read, though I think I could have found the information more intriguing when it came from the original source.
While I've liked some of Goleman's other works, this one didn't really do it for me. However, there are a lot of people out there who have said differently, so don't cross this off your list completely.
Review by:
Posted on August 22, 2008 5:27 AM PDT
4 of 4 people found this review helpful:
Price Paid: $18.48
Recommends this product or service? Yes.
Amazing tools to change your social life for the better.
Daniel Goleman's book, "Social Intelligence- The New Science of Human Relationships", is a thought-provoking, analytical immersion in how people interact with one another on a daily basis.It can be an essential resource for researchers and human development practitioners, but may have less appeal for those seeking a more applied, "how-to" explanation. Goleman provides lots of scientific tidbits, but little advice on how to actually describe, assess, or teach social intelligence as a set of practical competencies. Goleman's theories are intellectually stimulating and applicable in daily living. Case by case, the author is thoroughly able to prove his hypothesis- that healthy human interaction is directly connected to well being, tranquility, and a general sense of happiness. Goleman writes in depth about social awareness and social facility. He states that social awareness is possible by "instantaneously sensing another's inner state" and that this awareness itself can lead to mutually satisfying communication. As we live our daily lives, our social interactions, both with strangers and those within our familiar circle can grow richer and easier each and every day, as long as we remain socially `aware'. For Goleman fans, who seek an in-depth coverage of the scientific research behind social intelligence, this book will satisfy.
