Journal 36 – Emotional Intelligence

David Goleman, 60, is the professor in Harvard University. He is an editor of the periodical “Psychology Today” and collaborates with “New York Times” where he publishes articles in psychology and philosophy. Dr. Goleman has written a book entitled Emotional Intelligence, which was the international best-seller a few years ago (the first edition in 1995). Goleman’s main idea is that success in the human life depends not only on intellect (mind, intelligence), but on our skills to govern our emotions, too.
Author challenges previous opinions about status of intelligence, trying defining what it means to be capable. Dr. Goleman considers how it is possible, that often very good students to become average employees, later. Also, sometimes the capable people are going through their lives with big difficulties.
It can seem strange that intelligence doesn’t play the most important role in human life. But Goleman’s researches showed that it is possible.
Professor D. Goleman shows that in human life success is determined not by “traditional intelligence” but “emotional intelligence”. “Emotional intelligence” is the strongest indicator of human success. D. Goleman defines emotional intelligence in terms of self-awareness, altruism, personal motivation, empathy, and the ability to love and be loved by friends, partners, and family members.
I am convinced, that Goleman’s book should be a mandatory reading for not only teachers, but for all these who want to help children in their growing.