Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships

The amygdala is a collection of neural circuits that governs the parasympathetic nervous system, scanning for threats and acting as a guard against danger both physical and social. The amygdala operates by processing visual and sensory information, producing snap judgments that then provoke an emotional response, warranted or not. This is what Goleman refers to as the “low road,” and its rapid, powerful reactions often must be checked and adapted by the “high road” systems.

The dark triad is a collection of three types of socially pathological behavior: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Narcissism is defined by excessive self-regard and blunted empathy toward others. Machiavellianism is the unfeeling manipulation of others for the individual’s own gain, using social cognition to manipulate instead of engage. Psychopathy is the inability to experience empathy and a profound lack of understanding of others’ inner worlds, leading to cruel behavior in pursuit of excitement or in response to frustration.

The high and low roads refer to the two different major neurobiological structures that govern social intelligence. The high road refers to the prefrontal cortex, with its ability to provide a “brain boost” to almost any task, including solving complex social dilemmas. The high road reflects, strategizes, and adapts its approach based on new information.