Part One: Chapter 1, What Are Emotions For? Summary and Analysis

Daniel Goleman combines his journalism skills with his Ph.D. in brain and behavioral sciences to explain the complex subject of Emotional Intelligence (EI). Citing the scientific studies done on various aspects of emotion and behavior, Goleman builds a strong case for the necessity of learning how to interpret and handle emotions from infancy to adulthood. He presents the physical, chemical and social elements that shape emotional responses.

Emotions, like instincts, have helped humans survive by driving them to action. Each basic emotion, such as anger, fear, happiness, love, surprise, disgust and sadness, triggers specific biological responses to prepare the body for action. For example, fear arouses the body to fight or flight by sending blood to the major muscles.

The growth of the human fetal brain parallels the...