In 'Emotional Intelligence,' Daniel Goleman presents a compelling argument that emotional intelligence (EI) is crucial for success, happiness, and virtue. Drawing on research in psychology and neuroscience, Goleman explains how EI, which includes self-awareness, self-discipline, and empathy, shapes our destiny. The book details five key skills of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, managing emotions, motivation, recognizing emotions in others, and social skills. Goleman shows how these skills can be nurtured and strengthened throughout adulthood, benefiting our health, relationships, and work performance[2][3][4].
Drawdown is a seminal text on climate solutions, compiled by an international coalition of researchers, professionals, and scientists. The book presents 100 substantive, existing solutions to address climate change, ranging from clean energy and educating girls in lower-income countries to land use practices that pull carbon out of the air. It provides a roadmap to drawing down greenhouse gas emissions and emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and collective action to combat climate change[1][4][5].
In 'The Soul of Money,' Lynne Twist delves into the psychological, spiritual, and practical aspects of money and its impact on our lives. She argues that our relationship with money is deeply intertwined with our values, sense of purpose, and overall well-being. The book provides guidance on how to reevaluate and transform this relationship to achieve greater fulfillment and alignment with one's true values.
In this book, Howard Thurman interprets the teachings of Jesus in the context of the oppressed, particularly focusing on the experiences of African Americans in the pre-civil rights era. Thurman argues that Jesus' teachings offer practical solutions to overcoming the 'three hounds of Hell': fear, deception, and hate. He emphasizes Jesus' roots in the Jewish community and his mission to teach his Jewish brethren how to deal with Roman oppression without losing themselves. The book explores how Jesus' teachings can be applied to contemporary social issues, advocating for a religion of the poor and the dispossessed rather than one that justifies the powerful. It is based on a series of lectures Thurman delivered at Samuel Huston College in 1948 and has been influential in the civil rights movement[1][4][5].
In this book, Edward O. Wilson presents a comprehensive argument against the widely accepted kin selection theory, instead advocating for group selection as the key driver of human evolution. Wilson classifies humans as eusocial, similar to ants, bees, wasps, and termites, and explains that this eusociality arose from the establishment of stable groups and nests, which led to the evolution of traits like altruism and division of labor. He discusses how human nature is conflicted between selfish and altruistic tendencies, resulting from the interplay between individual and group selection. The book also explores the origins of language, morality, religion, and the creative arts as outcomes of gene-culture coevolution. Wilson optimistically suggests that understanding these biological underpinnings could help humanity enhance its virtuous traits and contribute to a better future for the planet[1][3][5].
In this book, Rachel Naomi Remen shares stories and lessons learned from her grandfather, an orthodox rabbi and scholar of the Kabbalah. The book emphasizes the interconnectedness of life, the healing power of kindness, and the importance of recognizing and celebrating the blessings in one's life. Through her anecdotes and reflections, Remen illustrates how serving others and acknowledging the blessings we receive can lead to personal wholeness and a deeper connection to life.
In 'The Great Work: Our Way into the Future', Thomas Berry advocates for a profound transformation in how humans interact with the Earth, moving from a period of devastation to one of mutual enhancement. He emphasizes the need for a new ecological consciousness and a shift away from industrial civilization's destructive tendencies. Berry draws on historical and cultural insights to guide humanity toward an 'Ecozoic Era' where human and natural systems thrive together.
Coming Back to Life offers a framework for addressing global crises by acknowledging emotions like grief, anger, and fear as healthy responses. It provides methods for group work to foster a shift from the Industrial Growth Society to a Life Sustaining Society. The book includes practices such as 'Honoring Our Pain for the World' and 'Invoking the Beings of the Three Times' to promote solidarity and action.
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, InsideTracker, and Essentia.
Have you ever wondered what makes some people extraordinary? Is it something special some people just have at birth? Or are we all born the same only to evolve into greater things? I’m learning that no matter what age or phase of life we are in, we have the ability to make choices that change our lives and the lives of others for the better. Finding a purpose greater than ourselves is a catalyst for that change.
Today’s conversation with Lynne Twist is an inspiring one. We take a deep dive into creating a life of meaning and commitment, what that means for our identity, and the ripple effect it has throughout the world. Over the past 40 years, Lynne has worked with over 100,000 people in 50 countries in the arenas of fundraising with integrity, conscious philanthropy, strategic visioning, and having a healthy relationship with money. An author and speaker, she has presented for the United Nations Beijing Women’s Conference, State of the World Forum, Synthesis Dialogues with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the Governor’s Conference on California Women, among others. A recognized global visionary, Ms. Twist has been an advisor to the Desmond Tutu Foundation, and The Nobel Women’s Initiative.
This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth, InsideTracker, and Essentia.
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Here are more details from our interview (audio version / Apple Subscriber version):
- Having a purpose larger than ourselves (6:32 / 4:27)
- How Lynne’s father’s death informed her inner life (9:51 / 7:40)
- Lynne’s journey to becoming an activist and philanthropist (14:01 / 12:15)
- Lynne’s work and learning about money and wealth from Mother Teresa (19:13 / 16:58)
- The biology of altruism (34:34 / 30:35)
- What makes ordinary people extraordinary? (35:40 / 31:58)
- Learning from indigenous people (38:26 / 34:30)
- Why living a committed life is crucial to our human future (46:55 / 43:00)
- Why we can’t sacrifice ourselves for others (58:02 / 53:40)
- How to find your calling (1:02:34 / 58:33)
Get a copy of Lynne’s book, Living a Committed Life: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in a Purpose Larger Than Yourself, here.
The Dr. Hyman Show 
