Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Emotional Intelligence

The quote below from Aristotle is the very essence of Emotional Intelligene. E.I. has been imported from academia into pop culture by Daniel Goleman. Does emotional intelligence vary from one group to another? Is it a function of religious upbringing? Is control over emotions a sign of evolution? Some people cry at the drop of a hat. Other get angry quickly. Some have no emotions. Is there a link between Emotional Intelligence and criminal behaviour? Is there a link between Emotional Intelligence and the development of civilization?

Anyone can become angry—that is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way—this is not easy."

Aristotle, The Nicomachean Ethics