Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships

This is a well thought out, well organized and very insightful work. In my opinion it is heavy reading. I generally can read a book a week. This one took about 50% longer. There are a number of reasons for this. There is very little white space on any page. The subject matter is new and different and unless you have made a deep study of the brain, its various parts and functions, you will often need to refresh your memory about what the various parts do. Having said that, I would highly recommend the book to anyone who wishes to learn more about why we do what we do. There are some very valuable lessons that have application in everyday life. For example, Goleman talks about how fear in social situations engages the the flight or fight part of the brain, overriding the cognitive part. He gives everyday examples of how this shows up in our daily lives. The teacher randomly calling on students in the classroom can evoke social fear, shutting down the cognitive/learning part of the brain. Goleman deals with numerous other social situations in life - love, anger, empathy, prejudices, crime and punishment. His insights are sharp and easy to understand. Some are real eye-openers. The book is long, some 334 pages with 65 pages of notes. This means that the concepts set forth in the book have been well researched and he provides the sources for those who wish to do additional research on a particular point of view. If you have any interest in why people do what they do, then this is an important book. Just realize that it requires some thought to read and grasp all the concepts put forth in the book.

In this companion volume to his bestseller, Emotional Intelligence, Goleman persuasively argues for a new social model of intelligence. He expresses concern at our creeping disconnection from one another as we connect instead to iPod, computer, and television. Another example of that disconnection is how medicine is being taken over by the "accountant's mentality," which is a disservice to patient and doctor alike. "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." Drawing on numerous studies, Goleman examines how our brains are wired for altruism, compassion, concern and rapport. The skills of social intelligence include the social awareness of empathy, listening, and social cognition. He demonstrates how the power of social interaction influences mood and brain chemistry and discusses the "toxicity" of insult and unpleasant social experience and the positive effects of neurochemicals that are released in loving relationships and caregiving. 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 rifles and smile - averting a potentially fatal clash. 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.

This book is a dilemma to review. As it covers most assets of the social human brain in great detail and - no doubt - with enough medical and neurological research to back it up, it is a tough one to read. I found myself struggling through chapters to keep focussed, but after reading it highly motivated with the new knowledge that was acquired. So how can you rate a book like this? From the knowledge perspective it has 5 stars no doubt, but reading should be (a little bit of) fun as well. That department scored a low 2 point with me. On average 3,5 stars, but I will give it the benefit of the doubt. The fact is, that after reading this book you will forget 90% of it instantly. But that 10% which is important stays with you and will give you extra knowledge on the subject that can prove valuable. So if you're looking to spend some time learning this book will provide great value, backed up by some famous neurologists. And, from your own experience, some behaviour will be explained in a scientific manner. All great stuff you can work with after finishing the book. Bottom line comes down to another dillema: SHOULD you want to have everything within your brain explained? As I was happy learning about it, I also am now happy with forgetting about it. What now remains is the knowledge that really mattered to me.

This book brought a lot of good information and insight into perspective. I study people and the mind so a lot of the information in this book, I knew but could never put a name to it, nor did I know the reason behind a lot of it, but this book did a great job in breaking things down and informing me on the part the brain plays in it all. Very well written and easy to understand if you don’t know a lot about brain function or parts of the brain. Very happy I purchased this book. And if you’re big on learning emotional and social intelligence, this book is a must have for the arsenal.

The delivery occurred on tome, the book was in perfect condition!

Muy buen libro. Muy interesante. Si eres profe es súper útil. Yo lo usé como fuente para mi TFM y genial.

Social intelligence is the next step after you as an individual develop emotional intelligence. It really helps in your development of social intelligence if you have more than one or two people to interact with in your personal life and at your job. This was hard for me because I am quite introverted. I am making a conscious effort to join more "group" activities and hobbies. Now I manage a volunteer book club, and in my professional life, I am learning how to ask my book editing clients to pay me for the long hours I devote to making their books beautifully readable. Most of them are saying, "OK, great job, I will pay you!" Find some things you like to do and people you like to do them with. The more you practice the ideas shown in this book in your life outside work, the better you will become at interacting and working with others on the job. Don't be a hermit, at least not as a permanent lifestyle choice. Someday you will need another person's help; practice by being a helper to others first. Social Intelligence can be a life-changer for you.

Very happy with pruchase

I bought this book long ago. As it is in a bad shape, I bought this book once again.