Daniel Goleman’s book, “Social Intelligence,” informs on the interpersonal interactions with others that affect how we feel emotionally, mentally, and physically. Goleman explains how modern brain research supports the idea that humans are social beings, and it is those they embrace the skills are the ones who prosper throughout life. Goleman claims that people “catch” emotions from each other. This happens when emotions are transmitted from one person to another via the brain. The transmissions are usually through subtleties of expression, speech and mood and that we affect one another more than we know, even alterating the very structure of the brain and our physiological responses and health in long-term relationships. Thus the study of social …show more content…
Luckily, no one got fired a weapon thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Hughes. Lieutenant Hughes ordered his men to kneel on one knee, point their weapons at the ground, and smile. Because the smile is the universal expression of friendliness, the Iraqi people began smiling back. After noticing that the soldiers were smiling, in a reverent position and showing them that the weapons were of no threat the Iraqis quickly departed. The outcome could have been very different if it was not for Hughes’ social intelligence. Goleman states that social intelligence is more of a “interpersonal radar” that courses through the neural circuits at lightning speed. This can also be described as instinct, or what many would say is a “gut feeling.” However, it is even beyond a feeling. The social interactions we have can even affect our heart rates, well-being, and in some instances, our immune systems. Scientific studies have begun researching this under the name of “social neuroscience.” In this research scientists will be using MRIs to see which parts of the brain “light up” during certain social interactions. One example from this study is that a man’s brain will secrete dopamine when an attractive woman meets