Social Intelligence

July 24, 2006
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.

Starred review from August 15, 2006
Intelligence guru Goleman ("Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ") once again puts his Harvard psychology doctorate to work as he continues to examine facets of human intelligence. Like Robert J. Sternberg and Richard K. Wagner in their coauthored books "Practical Intelligence: Nature and Origins of Competence in the Everyday World" and "Mind in Context: Interactionist Perspectives on Human Intelligence", Goleman posits dimensions to intelligence involving emotional and interactional components and complementing reasoning ability to yield a more holistic measure of intelligence. He explores the psychobiology and social neuroscience of human relationships, citing research supporting the notion that humans are hardwired to interact with others. Social intelligence involves self-awareness as well as attunement toward others and toward relationships as a whole. Goleman argues that neurotransmitters create -Neural WiFi, - enabling us to connect positively to others and to our world. As a superb and essential corollary to Goleman's important work on emotional intelligence, "Social Intelligence" is indispensable for all university and public library psychology collections. [See Prepub Alert, "LJ" 5/1/06.]" -Lynne F. Maxwell, Villanova Univ. Sch. of Law Lib., PA"

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