Emotional Intelligence & its Role in the Success of Life

Abstract

Emotional intelligence is a phrase that incorroprates the intricate aspects of both emotion and intelligence. Emotions rules the while intelligence reigns supreme in the brain. The twin qualities are inseperable and they exercise tremendous influence in the lives of individuals. According to Bar-on (1997) Emotional Intelligence is defined as any an array of non-cognitive capabilities, competencies and skills that influence ones ability to succeed in coping with environmental demands and pressures. He suggested that emotional intelligence can make a unique contribution to “a better understanding of people and also use their potential to succeed in various aspect of life.” The education that we impart today focuses much on the cognitive (head) aspect and we seldom give importance to the affective (heart) aspect. It has been accepted by all that education should help the individual to solve that challenges of life make successful adjustment in life. The purpose of education should not to be to simply provide food for the brain but it should replenish the heart as well. Swami vivekananda had rightly pointed out, “It is the heart which takes one to the highest plane which intellect can never reach.”