Daniel Goleman Books In Order

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Building Blocks of Emotional Intelligence Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Daniel Goleman is an American author of psychology, business, and self-help books. He is also a psychologist and a science journalist who wrote for the New York Times for twelve years, reporting on the brain and behavioral sciences. In 1995, he published his debut book, Emotional Intelligence, which became a New York Times bestseller for a year and a half. The book was also a bestseller in other countries and has since been printed in more than 40 languages globally. Besides Emotional Intelligence, Daniel has also authored other books on topics such as transparency, creativity, mediation, emotional and social learning, ecological crisis, and eco-literacy. Goleman has received many awards, notable ones being the Career Achievement Award for Excellence in the Media and the American Association for the Advancement of Science recognition.

Published in 1995, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ’ is an educative and famous work by Daniel Goleman. In this book, Goleman explains that emotional Intelligence is as vital as traditional IQ in determining one’s success across various life domains, including academics, professions, social interactions, and interpersonal relationships.

Goleman asserts that emotional Intelligence is not an innate trait but rather a skill that can be nurtured and developed. He goes on to outline strategies for incorporating emotional skills training into educational curricula. The book touches upon several key themes, including the evolution of the brain mechanisms responsible for emotional and rational behavior, how these mechanisms can be influenced or hijacked in contemporary life, and the critical importance of achieving a harmonious balance between emotions and rationality at both individual and societal levels. This challenge has sparked major research and training initiatives.

To facilitate learning and personal growth, individuals must be prepared for these processes. However, the nature of what we need to learn today often differs significantly from the requirements of our ancestors. Evolution equipped us with a primitive warning system comprising the limbic system and the amygdala, which triggers emotional reactions based on past survival experiences. In situations where immediate and intense responses like ‘fight or flight’ were crucial, this system served us well.

Modern life, though, demands more sophisticated responses. The core limbic system is surrounded by the neo-cortex, a uniquely human addition to the brain. The development of the frontal portion of this area, which continues after birth, is central to emotional Intelligence.
The effectiveness with which we recognize and manage emotions generated by the limbic system serves as a gauge for our emotional Intelligence. Goleman emphasizes that the goal isn’t to suppress these emotions entirely but to monitor and control them effectively. While genetics may play a role in shaping our emotional predispositions, the brain’s remarkable plasticity means our innate tendencies don’t bind us.

Goleman advocates consciously developing neural pathways to the brain regions responsible for emotional awareness, leading to a more effective ‘self-aware’ style of emotional management. This approach surpasses the less adaptive ‘engulfed’ and ‘accepting’ styles. He points out that while the brain retains adaptability throughout life, childhood and adolescence offer the most significant ‘windows of opportunity’ for shaping emotional Intelligence. Since the release of Emotional Intelligence over a decade ago, ’emotional literacy’ has found its way into school curricula, reinforcing the importance of these concepts in education.

Emotional Intelligence is pivotal because it prevents us from succumbing to ‘flooding,’ a state where emotions like anger feed upon themselves, generating more intense anger. Goleman provides captivating insights into the biological underpinnings of this phenomenon, elucidating how neurotransmitters like catecholamines keep the nervous system in a heightened state.

For children, being ‘flooded’ hinders their ability to excel academically. Goleman cites the National Center for Clinical Infant Programs, which identifies critical attributes for school readiness: confidence, curiosity, intentionality, self-control, relatedness, capacity to communicate, and cooperativeness.

Emotional Intelligence isn’t solely a guide for childhood education; it prompts readers to reflect on their emotional management styles. Goleman’s observations resonate deeply with readers. He highlights that men tend to have a lower threshold for ‘flooding’ than women, often responding with withdrawal or stonewalling rather than expressing their emotions overtly. Additionally, Goleman explores the concept of substance abuse as a form of self-medication, suggesting that individuals prone to addiction may be seeking relief from depression, anxiety, or anger.

The importance of Emotional Intelligence is evident in its frequent references in popular culture. It is a user-friendly and engaging book that warrants a place on the bookshelves of those interested in learning and understanding the intricacies of the human brain.
In 2006, Daniel Goleman published Social Intelligence, a book that dives into the science of human relationships. Daniel Goleman presents a comprehensive synthesis of the latest insights from biology and brain science, revealing a profound truth: we are inherently wired for connection, and our relationships wield a surprisingly deep influence on every facet of our lives.

Unbeknownst to us, our daily interactions with family, spouses, colleagues, and even strangers exert a significant impact on our brains and, astonishingly, influence the very cells in our bodies, including our genes. This influence can be either beneficial or detrimental. In Social Intelligence, Goleman delves into a burgeoning scientific field that holds startling implications for our social interactions. At its core, this emerging science asserts that we are inherently predisposed to sociability, engaged in a constant “neural ballet” that links our brains with those of the people around us.

Our responses to others and their responses to us trigger profound biological consequences, setting off cascades of hormones that regulate diverse bodily functions, from our cardiovascular health to our immune systems. In essence, good relationships can act as fortifying vitamins, while toxic relationships can resemble poisonous substances. Goleman explores how we can ‘catch’ the emotions of others, akin to catching a cold, and underscores how isolation or persistent social stress can negatively impact our lifespan.
The book raises important questions: How can we raise happy children? What forms the foundation of a fulfilling marriage? How can leaders and educators inspire those under their guidance to reach their full potential? How can communities divided by prejudice and hatred coexist in harmony?

Surprisingly, the answers to these questions may not be as elusive as we once believed. Goleman offers a hopeful message with unwavering conviction: as humans, we possess an inherent inclination toward empathy, cooperation, and altruism. The key lies in developing our social Intelligence, nurturing these capacities within ourselves and in others, and harnessing them to foster a more harmonious and compassionate world.