Product Description

Emotional Intelligence was an international phenomenon, appearing on the "New York Times" bestseller list for over a year and selling more than 5 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 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. 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. In this book Daniel 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: #19817 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 416 pages

From the Publisher
A major book from the author of the bestselling Emotional Intelligence. Social Intelligence does for relationships what Emotional Intelligence did for emotions: brings readers a radically different way of thinking about themselves and their world.

From the Inside Flap
Emotional Intelligence was an international phenomenon, selling more than 5 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 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 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.

From the Back Cover
Emotional Intelligence was an international phenomenon, selling more than 5 million copies worldwide. Now, in Social Intelligence, Daniel Goleman explores an emerging new science with startling implications for our interpersonal world. He 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 also describes the ‘dark side’ of social intelligence, from narcissism to Machiavellianism and psychopathy.

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 our lives.

‘[Goleman] uses the emerging science of neuro-sociology to show how priming our brains for meaningful connectivity with others can make the world a better place… Fascinating’ Sunday Telegraph

‘Daniel Goleman understands people. He has a keen appreciation for the scientific basis of why we are the way we are - why some of us are natural flirts while others of us have a hard time getting a second date; why some of us are wired to make a great first impression at a job interview while others are useless at navigating office politics.’ Financial Times

Customer Reviews

How social interactions shape the brain and mind
In 1997, Daniel Goleman published his book Emotional Intelligence which launched that powerful concept. He followed it with several related books, such as Working with Emotional Intelligence. This book is the natural outgrowth of Goleman's ongoing work, so it will be immediately appealing to anyone who found his earlier books useful. However, this volume also deserves to be read on its own account. Goleman writes well. He synthesizes a broad range of thinkers and encapsulates numerous studies smoothly. And two other assets really make the book flow: First, a real sense of Goleman as a person comes through in the book's numerous personal anecdotes; second, Goleman has a great attitude. He clearly believes in the good in people and wants them to prosper. He cares and that comes through as well. Since part of this book is about the effects of rapport and supportive emotional interactions, these are not minor or casual points; in fact, they illustrate his claims. getAbstract warmly recommends this book to anyone who wants to understand social intelligence or to improve performance by improving organizational culture.

Could be a LOT shorter
I enjoy reading about social science and psycholgoy but I was disappointed by this book. The research is very sound and there are lots of chapter notes and references if that is what you are looking for. But from my personal perspective, this wasn't the book I was looking for.

Firstly, the book is very descriptive and tends to elaborate on lots of research in lots of detail rather than telling you the practical implications of the research. I want to know: What can I do to improve my 'social intelligence'? But that's not really what the book's focus is on.

My other comment is that the book could be about half the length. Goleman has a very flowery writing style and tends to string together really lengthy sentences that sometimes require reading twice.

If you want a book that covers the latest research in interpersonal communication, this book is for you. If you want a book that helps you in your life or career, I'd skip this one.

a worthy sucessor to his blockbuster
This book is a worthy follow up to his previous block-buster. If it popularises the overwhelming importance of relationships it will have filled a big hole in mainstream thinking, which remains dominated by an aversion to recognising such issues, treating them as 'soft' and unproven and unscientific.
Read it and then give it to anyone and everyone who will read it. After 30 years working in mental health I think that our relationships are the most important choices we will ever make. You cannot choose who you were born to, but you can go some way to choosing who you live with and how you care for them.