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Goleman has written a masterpiece by separating our "Low Brain" from our "High Brain". The most powerful example used is how people on a common platform, when something is not ordinary,can be quickly calmed down by the simple, social connection of seeing how others are perceiving the event.
In the world of emails, twitter and other on-line socializing losing our "Low Brain" skills is more and more likely and will ultimately make it harder and harder to communicate person-to-person. Furthermore our "High Brain" as we develop can deteriorate the use of our "Low Brain" leaving us less able to effectively communicate socially.
From that construct we can now all see why it is much easier for us to communicate in person as opposed to reading something or talking on a phone. And if we don't it is to our own detriment.
Dr. Using this construct as a common thread he is able to articulate how we have been programmed to sense things "socially" in milliseconds and dialog and writen words in seconds and minutes.
Finally he opines that we can retrieve our "Low Brain" awareness and compliment it with our "High Brain" communication by using leaning tools to "Re-Teach" ourselves how to read "Low Brain" signals.
Thus the book is of very misleading. neither are alternative neurological views underpinning emotions presented. Yet Goleman's exposition makes it sound as if the relationship is down pat and solid. The reality is far from this. In a nutshell this book is about the neuroscience underpinning human emotions. Yet this so-called science leaves much to be desired as the neurological basis of emotions is little understood, as even advanced researchers in this field admit. Hence the book give the incorrect impression that there is an agreed upon concensus among neurological scientists regarding the basis of emotions.
After describing the concept of "social intelligence" in the first part of the book, he goes on to detail many of the examples of where "social intelligence" can be used to achieve true games in individual relationships and society at large. While aspects of social intelligence can be used to manipulate, true social intelligence goes beyond that. He provides some scholarly base throughout the book, yet never comes across as being overly academic, making the book easily readable. The author posits that social intelligence is an important trait in our lives and often takes place in a level outside our general consciousness. He also attempts to distinguishing between "social intelligence" and "manipulative social control". Many of these arguments come across as "socialist" (which should not be surprising, given that they are based on "social" intelligence).
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. What now remains is the knowledge that really mattered to me. So if you're looking to spend some time learning this book will provide great value, backed up by some famous neurologists. I found myself struggling through chapters to keep focussed, but after reading it highly motivated with the new knowledge that was acquired. 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 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. That department scored a low 2 point with me. But that 10% which is important stays with you and will give you extra knowledge on the subject that can prove valuable. As I was happy learning about it, I also am now happy with forgetting about it. This book is a dilemma to review.
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. And, from your own experience, some behaviour will be explained in a scientific manner.
In my view, its concept can be explained in the first 5 chapters but it goes on and on with examples. This book is an expansion of Emotional Intelligence. It ends without recommendations or call to actions.
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