Social Intelligence, a sequel to Daniel Goleman’s best selling Emotional Intelligence enlightens the reader about the most recent advances in neuroscience, the study of the brain. While the inner workings of the human mind illustrate a marvelous gift from the Creator, consider the greater purpose of these workings.
Advances in medical technology have allowed scientists to view the brain and its workings under a variety of conditions. Our brains not only think, but also control emotions and thus in turn can set the tone for relationships in our lives. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology has shown that the chemistry and neuro connections in our brains change when we interact with others. In essence we are “wired” to connect with other people.
Our brains will react to people in two ways. The “low road” very quickly senses or takes in information about another person and responds on a “gut” level. The “high road” or thinking brain takes longer to respond and measures reactions against previous knowledge and experience. Most of us have the ability to suppress those first gut instincts and take time to respond in socially acceptable ways. I'm sure we have all encountered instances in our lives when our gut reaction to an event is strong but we catch ourselves in time to measure our response.
Social intelligence, Goleman concludes, consists of social awareness, the ability to instantly sense someone else’s emotional state and social faculty which allows a person to build on that awareness and effectively interact with others.
It seems to me that Jesus Christ had this in mind when he instructed us to “Love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 15:12). It is through the teachings of Christ that we as Christians see others as reflections of God and learn to connect to them. By taking time to get to know another person we are building and enhancing social connections in our brains which in turn is a benefit to all of us. In an increasingly disconnected world filled with many “anti-social” devices, including cellphones and MP3 players, many are left with the feeling of being left out of society. Next time you have the opportunity to connect with someone new or turn on your personal music player, consider taking the time to reach out and find the reflection of God in that other person.
Over the next couple days we will look deeper into the theories and science presented in Social Intelligence and we will learn how the teaching of Christ are well supported by modern scientific discoveries.
Advances in medical technology have allowed scientists to view the brain and its workings under a variety of conditions. Our brains not only think, but also control emotions and thus in turn can set the tone for relationships in our lives. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology has shown that the chemistry and neuro connections in our brains change when we interact with others. In essence we are “wired” to connect with other people.
Our brains will react to people in two ways. The “low road” very quickly senses or takes in information about another person and responds on a “gut” level. The “high road” or thinking brain takes longer to respond and measures reactions against previous knowledge and experience. Most of us have the ability to suppress those first gut instincts and take time to respond in socially acceptable ways. I'm sure we have all encountered instances in our lives when our gut reaction to an event is strong but we catch ourselves in time to measure our response.
Social intelligence, Goleman concludes, consists of social awareness, the ability to instantly sense someone else’s emotional state and social faculty which allows a person to build on that awareness and effectively interact with others.
It seems to me that Jesus Christ had this in mind when he instructed us to “Love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 15:12). It is through the teachings of Christ that we as Christians see others as reflections of God and learn to connect to them. By taking time to get to know another person we are building and enhancing social connections in our brains which in turn is a benefit to all of us. In an increasingly disconnected world filled with many “anti-social” devices, including cellphones and MP3 players, many are left with the feeling of being left out of society. Next time you have the opportunity to connect with someone new or turn on your personal music player, consider taking the time to reach out and find the reflection of God in that other person.
Over the next couple days we will look deeper into the theories and science presented in Social Intelligence and we will learn how the teaching of Christ are well supported by modern scientific discoveries.
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