Social Quotient: The Sweetest Support of All
Syed Mustafa Ahmed
Since childhood, we have consistently heard that the human being is a social animal, incapable of surviving outside society. All human development is possible only within a social context; outside of it, one risks adopting the demeanour of a beast.
With countless opinions in the world, everyone has the right to express their views and any life perspective can be disputed. However, careful observation and deep analysis make it clear that humans inherently prefer to live within society. Among their peers, they find a sense of security. Seeing others with similar aspirations provides them with a purpose in life, for which they endure various hardships.
This constant struggle inevitably leads to disagreements, and these disagreements often manifest as conflict, violence, theft, and attacks on each other’s honour. Humans are materialistic; they form unseen attachments to possessions and desires.
When these desires are occasionally unfulfilled, they can descend into deep valleys of despair and depression, from which escape seems nearly impossible. This love for material things is ingrained in humans from birth, and it is this same capacity for affection that binds them within the intricate web of relationships.
As mentioned earlier, when individuals encounter outcomes contrary to their expectations, they often lose the virtue of social intelligence and succumb to frustration and hopelessness.
When many vessels are kept close together, the chances of them clashing and creating noise are high; a solitary vessel remains silent. A person trapped in despair often fails to understand this metaphor. It is not that they lack awareness of reality; they fully understand that living among people, driven by competing desires, significantly increases the likelihood of heartbreak and disappointment.
This opposition to one’s wishes often begins at home. Later, navigating the marketplace and interacting with diverse individuals can leave a person feeling paralyzed, incapable of constructive thought, worsening their situation.
It is precisely in these complex and critical circumstances that the need for social intelligence (SQ) becomes paramount. Its benefits are numerous. The most significant advantage is that it enables an individual to lead a life marked by discipline, respect, and self-awareness.
When one’s aspirations are thwarted by those operating on the lower rungs of humanity, who also unjustly encroach upon one’s legitimate needs, exercising social intelligence means sacrificing personal claims for the greater good of oneself and the community.
This conscious choice keeps the fires of hatred and envy perpetually at bay. An individual imbued with social intelligence remains impervious to the influence of anti-social elements. They actively strive to understand the true nature of such adversaries, refusing to follow their path, and instead continue alone on their own dignified journey. Thorns strewn along this path may wound their feet, and those perched high like owls may hurl criticism. Yet, the pinnacle of this intelligence is reaching a state, like the Buddha, where insults lose their sting—they disintegrate upon contact.
This level of thought and humanity falls within the highest realm of intellectual and emotional maturity, which we categorize under social intelligence. Furthermore, in times when many grow weary of life itself, the person who teaches others how to live has truly reached the zenith of social intelligence.
For students navigating the intense rat-race competition of today’s world, where many feel increasingly disconnected from society, social intelligence acts as a soothing balm, making its role even more critical. Possessing this intelligence allows a student to resolve numerous life challenges with greater ease. It diligently safeguards not only their emotional well-being but also their mental health.
Observing numerous articles advocating for the popularization of SQ in various newspapers inspired the writing of this piece. The common thread in these writings was the emphasis on familiarizing everyone—from individuals to communities—with the fundamental principles of social intelligence.
Given the contemporary paradox where people are physically close yet emotionally miles apart, promoting social intelligence has become an urgent necessity. The first crucial step in this direction is for individuals to engage in self-reflection and self-awareness. This shift in focus from others to oneself can be transformative.
The acclaimed poet Pablo Neruda, in his poem “Keeping Quiet,” touches upon this very idea. He suggests that people worldwide are so entangled in the turmoil of life that chaos prevails. If humanity, instead of incessant speech, were to turn its complete attention inward, the likelihood of creating a peaceful world would increase exponentially. This universal principle, which Neruda masterfully brings to the reader’s attention, can be understood as a profound application of social intelligence.
In our contemporary context, where digital connection often supersedes genuine human interaction, and societal polarization is on the rise, the principles of SQ are more vital than ever. From navigating diverse workplaces to fostering inclusive communities, social intelligence is the bedrock of meaningful coexistence.
Therefore, dedicated modules on Social Intelligence should be incorporated into the curricula of educational and religious institutions. While the subject of Sociology provides an interpretation of society—its formation and structures—Social Intelligence offers a practical toolkit for leading a complete, conscious, and fulfilling life within that society.
Ultimately, we must all strive to cultivate this social consciousness within ourselves. Before it is too late, we must choose to be more than just a burden on society; we must leave behind a legacy of courage and foresight. Contributing our part can be achieved in many ways, but in the current era, fostering social intelligence stands out as one of the most critical tasks. It is hopeful that people will begin to contemplate this sensitive and vital subject seriously.
(The author is a teacher)
