Daniel Goleman

Daniel Goleman[1†]

Daniel Goleman, born on March 7, 1946, is a prominent American psychologist, author, and science journalist renowned for popularizing emotional intelligence through his 1995 bestseller “Emotional Intelligence.” His extensive work covers self-deception, creativity, meditation, ecoliteracy, and more, significantly impacting psychology and related fields. For twelve years, he reported on brain and behavioral sciences for The New York Times, making complex concepts accessible to a wider audience. Goleman’s influential books have achieved global acclaim, being translated into over 40 languages[1†].

Early Years and Education

Daniel Goleman was born on March 7, 1946, in Stockton, California[1†]. He grew up in a Jewish household, the son of Fay Goleman, a professor of sociology at the University of the Pacific, and Irving Goleman, a humanities professor at Stockton College[1†]. His maternal uncle was nuclear physicist Alvin M. Weinberg[1†].

Goleman’s educational journey began at Amherst College, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with his undergraduate degree[1†]. He also attended the University of California, Berkeley, through the Amherst Independent Scholar program[1†]. Goleman then went on to graduate from Harvard University with a PhD in Clinical Psychology[1†].

During his time at Harvard, Goleman received a pre-doctoral fellowship, which allowed him to study in India[1†][2†]. This experience had a profound impact on Goleman, who has been a meditation practitioner since his college days[1†][2†]. He spent time with spiritual teacher Neem Karoli Baba, who was also the guru to Ram Dass, Krishna Das, and Larry Brilliant[1†]. His first book, “The Meditative Mind: The Varieties of Meditative Experience,” was based on his research during this time and offered an overview of various meditation paths[1†][2†].

After his studies, Goleman returned to Harvard as a visiting lecturer, where his course on the psychology of consciousness was popular[1†]. His mentor at Harvard, David McClelland, recommended him for a job at Psychology Today, which eventually led to his recruitment by The New York Times in 1984[1†].

Career Development and Achievements

After completing his education, Daniel Goleman began his career as a science journalist, reporting on the brain and behavioral sciences for The New York Times[1†]. His work in journalism has been recognized with numerous awards, including two nominations for the Pulitzer Prize[1†][3†][4†] and a Career Achievement Award for Journalism from the American Psychological Association[1†][3†][4†].

In 1995, Goleman authored the book “Emotional Intelligence,” which became a bestseller in many countries and is now available in over 40 languages[1†]. This book popularized the concept of emotional intelligence, a term that refers to the ability to identify, use, understand, and manage emotions in positive ways. Goleman’s work on emotional intelligence has had a significant impact on various fields, including psychology, education, and business[1†][5†].

In addition to his work on emotional intelligence, Goleman has written extensively on a variety of other topics. These include self-deception, creativity, transparency, meditation, social and emotional learning, ecoliteracy, the ecological crisis, and the Dalai Lama’s vision for the future[1†]. His writings have helped to bring complex scientific concepts to a broader audience, making him a significant figure in science journalism[1†].

In 1993, Goleman co-founded the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) at Yale University’s Child Studies Center[1†]. CASEL’s mission is to introduce social and emotional learning into the education of students from preschool to high school[1†]. Goleman also co-founded the Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations (CREIO) in 1996[1†].

Goleman’s contributions to psychology and his efforts to communicate the behavioral sciences to the public have been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which named him a Fellow[1†]. He also received the Washburn Award for Science Journalism in 1997[1†] and was ranked 39th on the 2011 Thinkers50[1†], a list of the most influential management thinkers in the world.

First Publication of His Main Works

Daniel Goleman has made significant contributions to the field of psychology and beyond through his numerous publications. Here are some of his main works:

• “Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ” (1995)[6†]: This is perhaps Goleman’s most well-known work. In this book, he popularized the concept of emotional intelligence and argued for its importance in understanding human behavior, success, and societal outcomes.
• “Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships” (2006)[6†]: In this book, Goleman explores the concept of social intelligence, the ability to understand and navigate social situations and relationships.
• “Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence” (2013)[6†]: Here, Goleman delves into the science of attention, arguing that the ability to focus is a key driver of excellence.
• “Primal Leadership: Realizing the Power of Emotional Intelligence” (2002)[6†]: Co-authored with Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee, this book explores the role of emotional intelligence in leadership.
• “Working with Emotional Intelligence” (1998)[6†]: In this book, Goleman applies the concepts of emotional intelligence to the workplace, discussing its importance in leadership, teamwork, and productivity.
• “Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body” (2017)[6†]: Co-authored with Richard J. Davidson, this book explores the science of meditation and its impact on the mind and body.
• “Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama” (2000)[6†]: This book is a dialogue between Goleman and the Dalai Lama, discussing how destructive emotions can be understood and managed from both a Buddhist and a scientific perspective.
• “The Brain and Emotional Intelligence: New Insights” (2011)[6†]: In this work, Goleman shares new insights into the brain mechanisms underlying emotional intelligence.
• “Ecological Intelligence: How Knowing the Hidden Impacts of What We Buy Can Change Everything” (2009)[6†]: Here, Goleman discusses the environmental impact of consumerism and argues for the importance of ecological intelligence.

Each of these works has contributed to our understanding of emotional intelligence and its application in various aspects of life, including personal development, leadership, education, and environmental sustainability[6†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Daniel Goleman’s work, particularly his concept of emotional intelligence, has had a profound impact on various fields, including psychology, education, and business[7†].

Goleman was not the first to articulate the concept of emotional intelligence, but he made the elements of emotional intelligence accessible to broad segments of society[7†]. His best-selling books have changed how some businesses interact with clients and how some managers recruit employees[7†]. His impact has been even more profound on education. Thanks to Goleman, educators now recognize that emotional intelligence is every bit as important to learning as intellectual prowess or IQ[7†].

In his book “Emotional Intelligence,” Goleman argued that existing definitions of intelligence needed to be reworked[7†]. He suggested that it takes a special kind of intelligence to process emotional information and utilize it effectively — whether to facilitate good personal decisions, to resolve conflicts, or to motivate oneself and others[7†].

Goleman’s work on social intelligence, as presented in his book “Social Intelligence,” is also noteworthy. He discusses the fascinating array of interactions with others that affect how we feel mentally, emotionally, and even physically[7†][8†]. Modern brain research supports the thesis that humans are social beings, hard-wired to live and work together, and that those who possess, develop, and employ the skills needed to bond with others are those who will prosper in health, wealth, happiness, and effectiveness[7†][8†].

Goleman’s work has been widely recognized and appreciated for its depth, accessibility, and practical relevance. However, like any theory, it is subject to ongoing scrutiny and debate in the academic community[7†][9†].

Personal Life

Daniel Goleman was born into a Jewish household in Stockton, California[1†]. He is the son of Fay Goleman (née Weinberg; 1910–2010), a professor of sociology at the University of the Pacific, and Irving Goleman (1898–1961), a humanities professor at Stockton College (now San Joaquin Delta College)[1†].

Goleman is married to Tara Bennett-Goleman[1†][10†]. They have two sons, Hanuman and Gov[1†][10†]. Goleman’s personal life illustrates the practical lesson found in his book “Social Intelligence”: “Nourish your social connections”[1†][11†]. He has several grandchildren[1†][11†].

Goleman has expressed that his private life is increasingly important to him[1†][11†]. He values meditation and traveling[1†][11†]. These aspects of his personal life reflect his broader philosophy on emotional intelligence and the importance of understanding and regulating one’s own emotions[1†][7†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Daniel Goleman’s work on emotional intelligence has had a profound impact on multiple fields, including psychology, business, and education[7†]. His theory of emotional intelligence, which expanded upon the work of psychologists John Mayer and Peter Salovey, has become widely accepted and utilized in these fields[7†].

Goleman’s work has changed how businesses interact with clients and how managers recruit employees[7†]. His influence on education has been even more profound. Thanks to Goleman, educators now recognize that emotional intelligence is as important to learning as intellectual prowess or IQ[7†]. As a result, tens of thousands of schools throughout the world currently incorporate “social and emotional learning” in their curricula[7†].

In his book “Social Intelligence,” Goleman explores an emerging new science with startling implications for our interpersonal world[7†][12†]. He explains the surprising accuracy of first impressions, the basis of charisma and emotional power, the complexity of sexual attraction, and how we detect lies[7†][12†]. He describes the “dark side” of social intelligence, from narcissism to Machiavellianism and psychopathy[7†][12†]. He also reveals our astonishing capacity for “mindsight,” as well as the tragedy of those, like autistic children, whose mindsight is impaired[7†][12†].

Goleman’s work has left a lasting legacy, influencing how we understand and value emotional intelligence in our daily lives[7†]. His contributions to psychology, journalism, and education continue to shape these fields, and his ideas continue to resonate with people around the world[7†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Unknown
• Born: Daniel Goleman was born on March 7, 1946, in Stockton, California, U.S[1†].
• Died: Unknown
• Nationality: American[1†]
• Occupation: Psychologist, author, and science journalist[1†]. He also lectures frequently for professionals and student groups[1†][5†].
• Notable Works: Goleman is best known for his 1995 book “Emotional Intelligence,” which remained on The New York Times Best Seller list for a year and a half[1†]. He has written on a variety of topics, including self-deception, creativity, transparency, meditation, social and emotional learning, ecoliteracy, and the ecological crisis[1†].
• Notable Achievements: Goleman’s work on emotional intelligence has transformed the way the world educates children, relates to family and friends, leads, and conducts business[1†][5†]. His book “Emotional Intelligence” has been translated into over 40 languages and is a bestseller in many countries[1†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Daniel Goleman [website] - link
2. Mind & Life - Digital Dialogue - Education of the Heart - Daniel Goleman [website] - link
3. World Business Academy - Daniel Goleman, Ph.D. [website] - link
4. Emotional Intelligence Consortium - Daniel Goleman - Member Emotional Intelligence Consortium [website] - link
5. Daniel Goleman - Daniel Goleman [website] - link
6. Goodreads - Author: Books by Daniel Goleman (Author of Emotional Intelligence) [website] - link
7. Resilient Educator - Daniel Goleman's Emotional Intelligence Theory: Explanation and Examples [website] - link
8. UPF International - Book Review: "Social Intelligence," by Daniel Goleman - Universal Peace Federation [website] - link
9. IEEE Xplore - A review of Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman: implications for technical education [website] - link
10. Encyclopedia.com - Goleman, Daniel 1946- [website] - link
11. Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education - Biography [website] - link
12. APA PsycNet - Social intelligence: The new science of human relationships. [website] - link