One definition of intelligence is that it is the ability to communicate, learn, and solve problems1. Physical reality is limited by the laws of physics and mathematics, which are based on formal logic. It consists of facts. For example, the heart is not just a muscle that is isolated from the rest of the body. Instead, it is part of the neuroendocrine immune system2. The heart is a little brain with about 40,000 neurons that communicate with the brain in our skulls. It also secretes the hormones Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) and Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP). They regulate blood pressure and fluid balance by promoting sodium and water excretion and causing blood vessel dilation, working to lower high blood pressure and reduce fluid overload. These hormones act as endocrine signals, helping the heart coordinate with the kidneys and other systems to maintain cardiovascular homeostasis.

However, imagination and motivation have no such limits. People tend to be more motivated by emotional arguments than by stating facts. Dr. Martin Luther King did not inspire people by simply citing statistics about segregation, exclusion, and poverty. He inspired people with emotional speeches and signs. Life and society depend on communication and representation through signs. So, poets and philosophers describe the heart in a very different way. They can get a stronger reaction from the public by talking about matters of the heart – not matters of the neuroendocrine immune system. The heart is considered the first organ to form and become functional in a fetus, starting development around 16 days after fertilization and beginning to beat by day 21-22 (around week 4), crucial for delivering oxygen and nutrients as the embryo rapidly grows. The fetus doesn’t start hearing internal sounds in the womb until about 18 weeks. So, a baby senses its beating heart before he or she hears it.

The heart is an archetype symbolizing love, emotion, wisdom, and the core of being, acting as a bridge between the soul and body, representing connection, compassion, and passion. In Jungian psychology, it signifies transformation and the union of opposites, while in broader culture, it embodies everything from deep grief to fierce devotion, reflecting universal human experience. So, the word “heart” is much more effective than the neuroendocrine immune system. The statement “In my heart of hearts, God knows me better than I know myself” is much more effective than “In my neuroendocrine immune system, God knows me better than I know myself”. This may not be logical, but it is effective in inspiring emotions, teaching philosophy, and motivating communities. Moreover, leading scientists don’t just study science and math; they inspire and connect communities.

We are primarily emotional creatures who can also think logically when necessary. Emotional intelligence is not about processing information. It is about self-regulation, empathy, building relationships, collaboration, and sewing harmony where there is discord. Emotional intelligence has spiritual dimensions that science and math cannot quantify. Emotionally intelligent people can connect with something greater than themselves. They can learn and grow from adverse experiences. Emotionally conscious teams are creative and productive. To connect and inspire people, leaders create meaning with emotional intelligence. Artificial intelligence (AI) will never be able to do this. Emotional intelligence is an existential necessity for human civilization.

So, it is sad that modern society is so badly fragmented, even though it is hyper-connected online as well as in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We have developed amazing technologies, but have not matured enough to use power effectively for the common good. Sadly, men and boys are often taught to suppress their emotions. At the same time, women’s emotional capacities are often devalued as being too sentimental for professional environments. It’s important to expose dangerous myths, while understanding that girls and women can do anything that boys and men can do3. We must realize this. The health of the planet and human civilization depends on it. The same misogynistic attitude that treats women as commodities to be used and discarded treats the environment the same way. Gender equality is a fundamental human right. It is an essential part of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 5 and is necessary for the well-being of everybody. Sexism and patriarchy work with racism, classism, and homophobia to cause poor personal and public health.

In contrast, love, prayer, and compassion are good for personal and public health. Contemplative prayer can be very helpful. It is a silent, still spiritual practice focused on resting in God's presence, developing intimacy, and listening for His voice, rather than speaking requests or reciting set words. Key practices include Centering Prayer, using a sacred word to quiet the mind to foster deep union with the Divine. It's about being present, receiving God's love, and fostering inner peace and awareness. It includes the practices of Visio Divina and Lectio Divina, or sacred seeing and sacred reading4.

Lectio Divina uses Scripture and silence to be attentive to God’s presence and direction in our lives. Visio Divina does the same thing by using art. For example, I was deeply moved and cried openly when I stood in front of Michelangelo’s Pietà in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. It’s a marble sculpture of Jesus and Mary at Mount Golgotha with Mary holding the dead body of Jesus after he was taken down from the cross. The pain on Mary’s face reminded me of my own pain due to the death of my wife. In contrast, when I see a beautiful sunrise while sitting on the same patio that I used to share with my wife, I am filled with joy as the birds sing ancient melodies and the leaves on the trees dance in the wind.

Notes

1 Biosemiotics: the fundamental role of signs in life at Meer.
2 Smith, R.E. Our second brain. The enteric nervous system and gut microbiome. Meer, July 24, 2019. Our Second Brain at Meer.
3 The Myth of Gender Differences in Intelligence at Meer.
4 Being with God: The Practice of Contemplative Prayer at Conversatio.