Chapters 4-6 Summary and Analysis

Summary: The last half of the book's first section, Wired to Connect, starts with Goleman addressing the convoluted topic of altruism. It has long been debated by people from all walks of life as to whether or not man's basic instinct is to do harm or good. Instead of choosing sides or even rehashing arguments, Goleman cuts right to the chase and shows what neuroscience has to say on the topic. His finding is that, by understanding ourselves and the world around us, we can make it so that we are more hardwired for altruism. He believes the best way to do this is to focus on compassion and empathy for others, as opposed to being self-absorbed. This is easier said then done, but with concentration, practice, and keeping and open-mind he believes it is fully possible.

Picking up...