Different Kinds of 'Smart'?

Social Intelligence: the New Science of Social Relationships / by Daniel Goleman, Ph.D.

In tense moments of verbal confrontation, why do some individuals come out better than others? How will developmental stages in childhood affect an individual's social skills as an adult? Are there signs during conversations between couples that could determine whether a relationship will (or won’t) succeed? Sociologist Daniel Goleman ponders these issues and more in his book examining the neuroscience involved with personal interaction. Correlating the biological mechanisms of brain chemistry with observed social habits, Goleman dissects the essentials of social conduct, substantiating the ‘why’ of certain habits and personalities with the ‘how’ of physiological function. Using newly modified fMRI (brain scan) technology, an entire world of data is now available to researchers who, like Goleman, have been making some Bunyan-esque strides in the realm of social behavior. This 'new data' together with the ever-evolving field of neuroscience has given a wholely different meaning to the term 'street smarts'.

As with psychology, certain behaviors (in the form of social output) can be traced to formative patterns in developmental years, an aspect Goleman especially highlights in his conjectures on the various 'empathy' personas. Backing up the 'hard science' are the quota number of ‘studies have shown…’ and ‘In a recent survey among…’ used to bolster analysis, but these reinforce theoretical knowledge more than celebrate any new [universally credible] discoveries. Where Goleman succeeds is at illuminating the nuances of interpersonal relationships, comparatively explaining--in very adaptable language--the world of human interaction and its neurological framework. Not that he’s another guru telling you ‘what to do’ or directing needy readers to this or that remedy. The book is more—in sociology-speak—an I=>IT reference rather than an I=>YOU instructional resource, just making a case for the reasoning why someone may react harshly to an offhand comment or a certain person will routinely withdraw from intimacy.