1. In the very last week (literally) of research for this book, I ran across a definition of emotional intelligence that was eerily similar to the definition of emotional maturity in this book. It comes from the book Executive EQ by Dr. Robert K. Cooper and Ayman Sawaf. It reads, “Emotional intelligence is the ability to sense, understand, and electively apply the power and acumen of emotions as a source of human energy, information, connection, and influence.” [Dr. Robert K. Cooper and Ayman Sawaf, Executive EQ: Emotional Intelligence in Leadership and Organizations, (New York: Berkly Publishing Group, 1997), xiii.]

I have no recollection of seeing this definition from Cooper and Sawaf previously. But the similarities are too close to ignore. It is my best guess that those who have influenced me in my understanding and definition of what it means to be emotionally mature were consciously or unconsciously influenced by the definition authored by Cooper and Sawaf. Thus, I include a note here referencing their work even though the two definitions aren’t identical and I have no recollection of reading their work.