Chapter 1. Making the Choice to Think Wisely

“I think, therefore I am.”

—Le Discours de la Methode, Part 4 (1637) Rene Descartes 1596–1650

Some people say that thinking is what makes us human. Which comes first: thinking or feeling or acting? The premise of emotional intelligence is that humans can make choices about what they say and do. You can control the way you think about and react to crises and to daily stresses. You can use your entire brain (including your emotions) to make wise decisions.