Book Summary
It is commonly known that IQ is thoroughly researched and accentuated in education. However, there is one aspect of life that is just as important, but is commonly overlooked: emotional intelligence. In his book, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, Daniel Goleman explains this concept and the value of this feature. To validate his opinions, he accentuates the areas that are affected by emotional intelligence. The author draws parallels between how IQ and EI are perceived in society. He complains about how poorly this aspect of life is researched, with schools and other educational facilities prioritizing one’s intellect over other aspects (Goleman 39). The author finds support in Gardner’s views, for he has stated that tests similar to SAT are ignorant of one’s non-IQ-related skills, such as music or design.
Goleman points out that people with high IQ may be very disorganized in terms of interpersonal interactions. Moreover, IQ does not guarantee success in life, for such prodigies are usually employees of bosses with a lower IQ score (Goleman 37). Thus, the writer implies that there is much more to success than just knowledge, as social skills and one’s way of presenting oneself matter as well. Goleman accentuates the role emotional intelligence education may play in troubled children’s lives. The author shows how emotional intelligence affects relationships, parenting, and business communications. He believes that one’s inability to express their criticisms properly may traumatize children and negatively affect employees (Goleman 128). Moreover, the author states that criticisms of the person instead of the misdeed cause the opposite of what a parent or boss expects from their employee or child. Thus, the opposing side feels invalidated and becomes defensive of oneself.
Four Points to Share and Favorite Quote
The four points to share include:
- Emotional intelligence has often been overlooked and misunderstood, with the most attention paid to IQ;
- Emotional intelligence has immense value to individual development, and it should not get ignored;
- Emotional intelligence affects parenting, career, and personal relationships;
- By educating people on emotional intelligence, violence may be decreased or prevented.
The author states that when emotional intelligence in education is ignored, “we risk largely wasting the window of opportunity presented by the slow maturation of the brain to help children cultivate a healthy emotional repertoire” (Goleman 262). This explains why Goleman considers educational centers to be very important and helpful for troubled minors.
Work Cited
Goleman, Daniel. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bloomsbury, 2004.