PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE - Term Paper Example

In the book entitled ABC’s of the Human Mind, it was revealed that “although some philosophers have cast emotions as villains that represent what is most irrational and animal in human nature, there is a strong argument for crediting the emotions with all that is worthy and wonderful about human life” (ABC’s, 1990, 168). In this regard, the objective of the essay is to describe what one hopes to gain from the course, after reading the assigned references, and how it is believed that one may be able to use the course content in one’s daily life.

What One Hopes to Gain from the Course Daniel Goleman’s book entitled Emotional Intelligence proffered some insights on the part of the brain that controls emotions, and the nature and application of emotional intelligence, among others. The assigned readings discussed relevant issues on how to bring intelligence to emotions. By discussing what emotions are for, one is given the preview of determining the role of emotions in people’s lives. I shared Goleman’s experiences of having encountered people, either directly or indirectly, whose lives were drastically transformed due to uncontrolled emotions.

I believe emotions of anger are the most destructive when expressed irresponsibly and violently. It is my firmest hope that the course would provide ample opportunities to learn strategies and lessons for taming anger and other vicious emotions, such as jealousy, shame, or fear. It would also be interesting to find out if emotions are almost always manifested and expressed in a universal manner – meaning, do expressions vary from one culture to another? And how come women seem to be more comfortable with expressing their emotions than men?

I was moved when I read Goleman’s prelude under Aristotle’s Challenge, to wit: “those who are at the mercy of impulse – who lack self-control – suffer a moral deficiency. The ability to control impulse is the base of will and character” (Goleman, 1997, xii). Accordingly, there is some ecstatic expectation to learn the rudiments of better and more effective self-control, not on a personal basis, but to share the rudiments to those in need. As one gets to observe contemporary generation’s emotional outbursts, I believe there is extreme need to focus on self-restraint and self-discipline.

The problems of vices: alcohols, cigarettes, drugs, are manifestations of emotions run astray. The question that challenges us, as averred by Goleman was: “What can we change to help our children fare better in life?” (ibid, xi – xii). I hope to gain lessons, insights, guidance to direct me into transforming lives through teaching intelligence to our emotions. Applications of the Course The holistic development of a person lies not only in honing intellectual skills, knowledge and abilities on various endeavors, but more so, in learning emotional restraint and compassion.

People’s lives are almost always an interplay of actions and thoughts that provoke emotions. The course would be beneficial in providing guidance to appropriate behavior. Again, as revealed by Goleman when he cited Aristotle, it takes a rare skill “to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way” (ibid, xiii). I hope by the time I finish the course, I would possess this rare skill. I see applications of emotional intelligence in various scenarios and settings where people interact.

In academic institutions where professors and