Daniel Goleman author photo
Image via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Daniel Goleman

Born: March 7, 1946 – Stockton, California, USA

Daniel Goleman is an American psychologist, author, and science journalist best known for his groundbreaking work on emotional intelligence. His book "Emotional Intelligence" has sold millions of copies, been translated into over 40 languages, and profoundly shaped education, leadership, and workplace development globally. Goleman’s influence extends through numerous books on psychology, mindfulness, and social intelligence.

Biography & Author's Journey

Daniel Goleman was born on March 7, 1946, in Stockton, California, into an academically inclined family—his mother, Fay, was a professor of sociology, and his father, Irving, a humanities professor. Goleman excelled academically, graduating magna cum laude from Amherst College and obtaining a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Harvard University, where he also taught as a visiting lecturer. During his doctoral studies, he conducted research in India, studying meditation under Neem Karoli Baba, an experience that became foundational in shaping both his intellectual and personal outlook and led to his first book on meditation.

Show More

Quotes

quote
Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection - or compassionate action
-Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships
quote
In a very real sense we have two minds, one that thinks and one that feels
-Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
quote
If your emotional abilities aren't in hand, if you don't have self-awareness, if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions, if you can't have empathy and have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far
-Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
quote
Smart phones and social media expand our universe. We can connect with others or collect information easier and faster than ever
-Toolshero Profile
quote
Emotional self-awareness is the building block of the next fundamental emotional intelligence: being able to shake off a bad mood
-Emotional Intelligence
quote
Simply paying attention allows us to build an emotional connection. Lacking attention, empathy hasn't a chance
-Emotional Intelligence
quote
People tend to become more emotionally intelligent as they age and mature
-Toolshero Profile
quote
For better or worse, intelligence can come to nothing when the emotions hold sway
-Toolshero Profile
quote
When I say manage emotions, I only mean the really distressing, incapacitating emotions. Feeling emotions is what makes life rich. You need your passions
-Toolshero Profile
quote
The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice. And because we fail to notice that we fail to notice there is little we can do to change until we notice how failing to notice shapes our thoughts and deeds
-Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships

Discover more

Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence

LEARNING PLAN

Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is increasingly recognized as a critical factor for success in both personal and professional contexts, often outweighing technical skills and IQ. This learning plan benefits professionals seeking advancement, leaders managing teams, and individuals looking to improve their relationships and personal effectiveness through better emotional understanding and regulation.

2 h 3 m4 Sections
Master psychology and influence for success

Master psychology and influence for success

LEARNING PLAN

Master psychology and influence for success

Understanding the psychological drivers of behavior is essential for navigating modern professional and social landscapes. This plan is designed for leaders, negotiators, and individuals looking to enhance their interpersonal impact through science-backed persuasion and emotional intelligence.

3 h 54 m4 Sections
Be more magnetic

Be more magnetic

LEARNING PLAN

Be more magnetic

In an increasingly digital world, the ability to command a room and connect deeply with others is a rare competitive advantage. This plan is ideal for professionals and leaders looking to enhance their influence and social mastery through authentic presence and emotional intelligence.

3 h 8 m4 Sections
Improve EQ and communication skills

Improve EQ and communication skills

LEARNING PLAN

Improve EQ and communication skills

In today's interconnected world, emotional intelligence is the primary driver of professional success and leadership impact. This plan is designed for emerging leaders and professionals looking to master self-regulation, conflict resolution, and the art of ethical influence.

3 h 6 m4 Sections
Boost EQ for leadership

Boost EQ for leadership

LEARNING PLAN

Boost EQ for leadership

Emotional intelligence is the strongest predictor of leadership effectiveness, accounting for nearly 90% of what sets high performers apart. This learning path is essential for current and aspiring leaders who want to move beyond technical expertise to create lasting impact through people. Perfect for managers, executives, and team leads ready to transform their leadership presence and drive results through stronger relationships.

3 h 22 m4 Sections
Master Social Skills & Personal Growth

Master Social Skills & Personal Growth

LEARNING PLAN

Master Social Skills & Personal Growth

In an increasingly digital world, the ability to connect authentically and lead with emotional intelligence is a critical competitive advantage. This plan is designed for professionals and individuals looking to bridge the gap between technical competence and social mastery to accelerate their personal and career growth.

2 h 32 m4 Sections
Grow Mind, Psychology & Social Skills

Grow Mind, Psychology & Social Skills

LEARNING PLAN

Grow Mind, Psychology & Social Skills

In an era where emotional intelligence and social influence are key to success, this plan bridges the gap between cognitive science and practical social mastery. It is designed for aspiring leaders and individuals seeking to rewire their habits and build deeper, more meaningful professional and personal relationships.

2 h 15 m4 Sections
Master Emotions & Gain Value

Master Emotions & Gain Value

LEARNING PLAN

Master Emotions & Gain Value

This plan is essential for individuals seeking to transition from emotional reactivity to proactive self-leadership. It is ideal for professionals and lifelong learners who want to leverage emotional intelligence to build lasting personal worth and resilience.

2 h 23 m3 Sections

Community Voices

"Daniel Goleman's groundbreaking bestseller Emotional Intelligence revolutionized how we think about intelligence"

danielgoleman.info

"Daniel Goleman's Emotional Intelligence has been printed in more than 40 languages globally"

BookSeriesInOrder

"Daniel Goleman's Emotional Intelligence continues to influence fields ranging from education to business management"

Audible

"Daniel Goleman is a psychologist and science journalist who wrote for the New York Times for twelve years, reporting on brain and behavioral sciences"

BookSeriesInOrder

"Daniel Goleman has received the Career Achievement Award for Excellence in the Media and recognition from the American Association for the Advancement of Science"

BookSeriesInOrder

"Daniel Goleman published his debut book Emotional Intelligence in 1995, which became a New York Times bestseller for a year and a half"

BookSeriesInOrder

"Daniel Goleman is the author of the international bestsellers Emotional Intelligence, Working with Emotional Intelligence, and Social Intelligence"

Audible

FAQs about this page

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 1,000,000 Curious Minds

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star
1.5K Ratings4.7
Start your learning journey, now