Emotional Intelligence
by Daniel Goleman
Goleman's 1995 book popularized the idea that self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skill matter as much as IQ. It is long and heavy on neuroscience of its era, and some of its claims have been tempered since. It remains the foundational popular text on the subject.
Read it if…
you want the original, complete argument for emotional intelligence.
Skip it if…
you want practical tools; this is the theory, read the 2.0 workbook for practice.
Three things you will actually use
- Name emotions as they arise; naming regulates.
- Build empathy by listening without preparing your reply.
- Manage impulses; the pause is the skill.
Do this first
Keep a one-week log of moments you reacted before thinking, and what the trigger was.
Our verdict
Foundational, long and influential; the source text.
Compare with other Relationships books
How to Know a Person
David Brooks · Relationships
Gentle and humane; a book that makes you a better listener.
CLICK TO SEE
How to Not Die Alone
Logan Ury · Relationships
Smart, practical and kind; the best modern dating book.
CLICK TO SEE
Drama Free
Nedra Glover Tawwab · Relationships
Specific and compassionate; a useful guide for complicated families.
CLICK TO SEEBrowse all Relationships book reviews or get the free Reality Code Cheat Sheet.
As an Amazon Associate, WisdomDeck earns from qualifying purchases. Links marked “Click to see” go to Amazon. We are not paid for opinions, prices and availability are not shown here and change on Amazon, and we never see your purchase details. Nothing here is medical, legal or financial advice.