I was just catching up on a whole bunch of emails that have been sitting in my inbox, awaiting my attention, with links to great articles, news stories, and ideas. One of them is an op-ed piece in the NY Times by David Brooks titled “The New Humanism”. My husband and I have been discussing emotional intelligence a lot lately, and he sent me the link to this piece. As I am finally getting around to reading it, I am greatly intrigued by what Mr. Brooks has to say about several newly emerging talents that will likely – and hopefully – supersede “IQ, degrees, and professional skills” when it comes to measuring human capital. Here they are, directly from his article:

“Attunement: the ability to enter other minds and learn what they have to offer.

Equipoise: the ability to serenely monitor the movements of one’s own mind and correct for biases and shortcomings.

Metis: the ability to see patterns in the world and derive a gist from complex situations.

Sympathy: the ability to fall into a rhythm with those around you and thrive in groups.

Limerence: This isn’t a talent as much as a motivation. The conscious mind hungers for money and success, but the unconscious mind hungers for those moments of transcendence when the skull line falls away and we are lost in love for another, the challenge of a task or the love of God. Some people seem to experience this drive more powerfully than others.”

Just wanted to share as something to ponder. I like what these talents say about improving ourselves, and teaching our children.