Product Description

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 and psychopathy. 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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1418 in Books
• Published on: 2007-07-31
• Released on: 2007-07-31
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 416 pages

From Publishers Weekly
In this companion volume to his bestseller, Emotional Intelligence, Goleman persuasively argues for a new social model of intelligence drawn from the emerging field of social neuroscience. Describing what happens to our brains when we connect with others, Goleman demonstrates how relationships have the power to mold not only human experience but also human biology. In lucid prose he describes from a neurobiological perspective sexual attraction, marriage, parenting, psychopathic behaviors and the group dynamics of teachers and workers. Goleman frames his discussion in a critique of society's creeping disconnection in the age of the iPod, constant digital connectivity and multitasking. Vividly evoking the power of social interaction to influence mood and brain chemistry, Goleman discusses the "toxicity" of insult and unpleasant social experience as he warns of the dangers of self-absorption and poor attention and reveals the positive effects of feel-good neurochemicals that are released in loving relationships and in caregiving. Drawing on numerous studies, Goleman illuminates new theories about attachment, bonding, and the making and remaking of memory as he examines how our brains are wired for altruism, compassion, concern and rapport. The massive audience for Emotional Intelligence will revel in Goleman's latest passionately argued case for the benefits to society of empathetic social attunement. (Oct. 3)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Scientific American
We all recognize a special capacity that humans have—some more so than others—to connect with others in a deep and direct way. We see this quality expressed by a performer revving a crowd, a doctor healing a patient or a mother putting a child to sleep. To orchestrate these tasks, a person must sense and stimulate the reactions and mood of another. In 1995 Daniel Goleman, a Harvard University-trained psychologist and writer for the New York Times, published Emotional Intelligence, in which he discussed the human ability "to manage our own emotions and inner potential for positive relationships." Now he goes a step further. In Social Intelligence, he enlarges his scope to encompass our human abilities to connect with one another. "We are wired to connect," Goleman says. "Neuroscience has discovered that our brain's very design makes it sociable, inexorably drawn into an intimate brain-to-brain linkup whenever we engage with another person. That neural bridge lets us affect the brain—and so the body—of everyone we interact with, just as they do us." Each encounter between people primes the emotions. This neurological pas de deux stimulates our nervous systems, affecting hormones, heart rate, circulation, breathing and the immune system. Goleman peppers his discourse with anecdotes to illustrate the power of social intelligence. From the countertop of Rosie Garcia, a multitasking baker in New York's Grand Central Terminal, to the tantrum-tainted class of a Texas teacher, he shows how social sensitivity and wisdom can profoundly reshape conflicts. In one encounter in Iraq, a quick-witted U.S. commander turned a Muslim mob's threats into laughter when he ordered his soldiers to kneel, lower rifl es and smile—averting a potentially fatal clash. Goleman deftly discusses relevant neural pathways, including the thalamus and amygdala, which together regulate sensory and arousal stimuli. He speaks of spindle cells, which rapidly process social decisions; of mirror neurons, which sense another's movements; of dopamine neurons, which react to pleasure-inducing neurotransmitters that flow freely while two lovers gaze. The author's introductory tour through this emerging research landscape helps readers grasp core concepts of social neuroscience, illustrating abstractions with poignant anecdotes, without excessive jargon. Goleman also explains how such research may influence our lives. Given our socially reactive brains, we must "be wise," he says, and be aware of the ways that our moods influence the biology of each life we touch.

Rick Lipkin

From AudioFile
Goleman's discussion of social intelligence ranges from the biology of neuron formation to debates over prison construction. What connects them is his examination of the interplay between people. Goleman's intense interest is always audible. He is a living example of his points about emotional contagion and how pleasurable interaction makes learning easier. The pleasure and excitement in his voice make this complex subject seem more attractive than it might, and, to be frank, the easy, friendly delivery makes some of his points sound more convincing than they might be in print. This is most often the case when he summarizes points at the far reaches of his field or tackles issues that are emotionally explosive. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

To get the most out of social intelligence
For Goleman fans, who seek an in-depth coverage of the scientific
research behind social intelligence, this book will satisfy. 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. As with his first book, "Emotional Intelligence: Why It May Be More Important than IQ," educators and business users will find it necessary to develop their own methods for application.

It's worth noting that this book was published a year after the publication of Dr. Karl Albrecht's book, "Social Intelligence: the New Science of Success." Albrecht's book offers a more practical, "street level" treatment of the subject, with a five-point descriptive model of social intelligence, ("S.P.A.C.E.," which stands for Situational Awareness, Presence, Authenticity, Clarity, and Empathy) and a primary focus on how those dimensions can be measured and developed.

Recommendation: read both books.

Intelligence + Awareness = Healthy Relationships! (translation: Read this Book!)
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. Goleman is perhaps widely recognized for his earlier success when he wrote about a similar theme in his previous book Emotional Intelligence.

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'.

Goleman's insights remind me of two of my favorite authors Ariel and Shya Kane. The Kanes have written two wonderful and inspiring books entitled Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenmentand Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation. Both books are full of incredible and insightful examples of how their friends and family members were able to attain well being and satisfaction in their lives by simply developing self awareness and awareness of others. Their technique is called Instantaneous Transformation. It's easy to understand and apply in your daily life- and the results are really instantaneous! In one of my favorite passages in Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation, the Kanes define awareness as "a non-judgmental witnessing, viewing or seeing of yourself and how you interact with your life." Imagine living a life that is free of judgment- that you could actually allow yourself to interact with others without the need to hide behind societal labels? Imagine living your life with free and easy communication- and interacting with your life exactly as it shows up without predetermined preferences! The Kanes offer numerous insights on how to make all of the above possible.

The Kanes' books allows for practical application that seems to nicely compliment Goleman's theories. I highly recommend that you read all three books as companion pieces.

Excellent neurobiological information
Dr. Goleman writes a compelling book, filled with interesting findings. We learn that we are predisposed to connect with others, and the role of the brain, dopamines etc. in our relationships. I loved reading about how our emotions are involved in our relationships. Any reader who is interested in social neuroscience, should read this book. As I am a great fan of Rosalene Glickman's philosophy "The purpose of relationships is to be our best self regardless of the circumstances", I recommend Optimal Thinking: How to Be Your Best Self. Read both books!