The EI Revolution
Emotional Intelligence is a fundamental life skill. Daniel Goleman's 1995 book on the subject, has the subtitle, 'Why it can matter more than IQ', and yet our society still doesn't appear to have embraced it. Or has it? What is EI? Should it be woven into the fabric of society? And if so, how do we do it?
What is EI?
Pure and simply, Emotional Intelligence is self awareness and relational awareness. EI is a learned skill that ought to be positioned on the base of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs triangle. That's how crucial I believe it is. It is essential for self actualisation (the top of the triangle), navigating life's inevitable struggles, and knowing who we are and how to successfully form relationships of all kinds.
The fabric of society?
What is embedded into the fabric of our society - that is, the structure that allows it to function? How can an EI-based society function better than what we have today? What do we value? Is our education system rooted in EI? Do all children have the chance to flourish even if they are not 'academic' by those narrow, limiting standards? Is the system of government emotionally intelligent? The financial system? Our communities? Do we have boundaries? Do we have empathy, not sympathy? Is sex education rooted in emotionally intelligent conversations?
How do we weave?
If EI-based approach is a better way to structure society, how would it be done? Are there countries who do have emotional intelligence built into the fabric of their society? What needs to be overhauled and why and what must be introduced? Are there quick-wins? Or is this a slow and gradual process...one that, with optimistic glasses on, is already under
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