50 Essential Emotional Intelligence Quotes for Success

emotional intelligence quotes
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Success isn’t solely defined by intellect or technical skills. Emotional intelligence (EQ) – the ability to be attuned to and manage one’s own emotions, as well as recognize and influence those of others – plays an equally, if not more significant role in attaining both professional and personal fulfillment. Let us reflect on its significance with the following list of emotional intelligence quotes, shall we?

Highlights

  • The collection of quotes below revolves around the many main themes of Emotional Intelligence (EQ), from the power of self-awareness and the necessity of self-mastery to the key role EQ plays in leadership, relationships, and ultimate life fulfillment.
  • These words from thinkers and leaders are intended not as academic definitions, but as tools for growth – prompts for understanding one’s inner world, keys to navigating the complex world of others, and a reminder that the ability to thrive is fundamentally an emotional skill one can cultivate.

Short Emotional Intelligence Quotes

  1. Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.

    Aristotle

Before we can understand the world or others, the journey must begin inward. True wisdom isn’t about knowing everything out there, but about first getting in touch with the person in the mirror.

knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom

  1. What really matters for success, character, happiness, and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills.

    Daniel Goleman

Book smarts can open a door, but emotional skills are what allow a person to thrive inside the room. They are the tools for navigating relationships and challenges, which ultimately shape a lifetime of achievement and happiness.

Read more: 100 Happy Life Quotes to Illuminate the Day & Warm the Soul

short emotional intelligence quotes

  1. Emotions are data, not directives.

    Susan David

Viewing feelings as information rather than marching orders is a game-changer. It enables us to pause, analyze the “data” of our anger or sadness, and choose a wise response instead of being controlled by it.

emotions are data

  1. Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself.

    Mohsin Hamid

It’s more than just sympathy; it’s the recognition of a shared human experience. When you are empathetic you’re connecting with a part of another’s story that resonates within your own.

quotes about empathy eq

  1. He who angers you conquers you.

    Elizabeth Kenny

Being provoked by someone means giving them control over your emotional state. Maintaining composure, on the other hand, is a quiet act of personal power and freedom.

he who angers you conquers you

Short EQ quotes

Importance of Emotional Intelligence Quotes

  1. Emotional intelligence is the sine qua non of leadership.

    Daniel Goleman

One may take pride in having the best strategy in the world, but without the ability to connect with, understand, and inspire people, that strategy will remain just an idea on paper.

emotional intelligence quotes

  1. When our emotional health is in a bad state, so is our level of self-esteem. We have to slow down and deal with what is troubling us, so that we can enjoy the simple joy of being happy and at peace with ourselves.

    Jess C. Scott

Ignoring emotional turmoil is like trying to run with a stone in your shoe; it affects every step you take. Taking the time to address the issue is, truly, an act of self-respect.

emotional turmoil quotes

  1. The emotionally intelligent person is skilled in four areas: identifying emotions, using emotions, understanding emotions, and regulating emotions.

    John Mayer

The important thing is not to be emotionless, but to become fluent in the language of feelings – both yours and others’.

emotional intelligence quotes

  1. Your EQ is the level of your ability to understand other people, what motivates them, and how to work cooperatively with them.

    Howard Gardner

High EQ allows one to navigate the complex web of human interaction with grace and effectiveness.

emotional intelligence quotes

  1. Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.

    Carl Jung

Many times, our unexamined habits and reactions steer our choices without us permitting it. Bringing these patterns into the light is the first step toward taking the wheel of one’s own life.

Read more: 50 Facing Fears Quotes – Unleash the Power Within

make the unconscious conscious

Emotional intelligence quotes by famous personalities

EQ vs IQ Quotes

  1. In a very real sense we have two minds, one that thinks and one that feels.

    Daniel Goleman

True intelligence isn’t about one mind dominating the other. It’s about fostering a harmonious dialogue between the logical and the emotional parts of oneself.

eq vs iq quotes

  1. It is very important to understand that emotional intelligence is not the opposite of intelligence, it is not the triumph of heart over head – it is the unique intersection of both.

    David Caruso

Emotional intelligence does not mean letting feelings win over logic. Rather, it requires one to get the head and the heart to work together, making decisions that are both smart and compassionate.

eq vs iq quotes

  1. The head is always fooled by the heart.

    François de La Rochefoucauld

Our deepest motivations and biases come from our emotions. Ignoring them means we’re only seeing half the picture, which is likely to lead even the most logical mind astray.

the head is always fooled by the heart

  1. People with high EQs make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and lead more effectively than those with just high IQs.

    Travis Bradberry

High IQ might help you solve a complex puzzle, but high EQ is what allows you to build a team, navigate a conflict, and inspire loyalty.

eq vs iq quotes

  1. There is perhaps no psychological skill more fundamental than resisting impulse.

    Daniel Goleman

That small pause between feeling an impulse and acting on it is where wisdom lies. Cultivating that space is a cornerstone of emotional maturity.

importance of eq quotes

Emotional powerful deep quotes

Emotional Intelligence Quotes: Key Components

  1. Self-awareness gives you the capacity to learn from your mistakes as well as your successes.

    Lawrence Bossidy

Without self-awareness, a mistake is just a failure. With it, a mistake becomes a lesson on what to do differently next time.

Read more: 77 Learning from Failure Quotes – Moving On from Past Mistakes

self awareness quotes

  1. The ability to manage your emotions and remain calm under pressure has a direct link to your performance.

    Travis Bradberry

When emotions run high, it is incredibly difficult to think clearly. Staying calm is critical for you to access your full mental resources when you need them most.

manage your emotions quotes

  1. Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.

    Alfred Adler

Indeed, a beautiful description of stepping completely into someone else’s world!

seeing with the eyes of another

  1. Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.

    Jim Rohn

Initial inspiration is like a spark, but it fades quickly. Adotping consistent habits is like building a fire that can sustain itself through the long, cold nights.

Read more: Habits in Personality Development – A Comprehensive Guide

habit is what keeps you going

  1. The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.

    Theodore Roosevelt

Very few significant things are accomplished alone. The ability to cooperate, communicate, and connect with others, therefore, is a universal key to progress.

emotional maturity quotes

Emotional maturity quotes

Emotional Intelligence Quotes for Work

  1. Technical skills may get you the job, but emotional intelligence will help you grow in it.

    Anonymous

Your resume demonstrates what you can do. Your emotional intelligence demonstrates who you are as a teammate, leader, and problem-solver.

emotional intelligence quotes for work

  1. The greatest ability in business is to get along with others and influence their actions.

    John Hancock

Influence isn’t about manipulation; it’s about fostering trust and understanding. When people feel seen and respected, they are, naturally, more open to collaboration.

emotional intelligence quotes for work

  1. Business is about people. It’s about passion. It’s about bold ideas, bold execution, and, most importantly, people.

    Daniel Lubetzky

At the end of the day, every business transaction is a human interaction. Forgetting the human element is a surefire way to miss the mark.

business is about people

  1. It’s not your job to like me – it’s mine.

    Byron Katie

Seeking validation externally is exhausting; finding it internally is liberating and creates a stable foundation.

not your job to like me

  1. When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but with creatures of emotion.

    Dale Carnegie

Even the most rational argument will fail if it doesn’t account for the emotional needs of the other person. Always remember to speak to the heart as well as the head!

emotional intelligence quotes in the workplace

Emotional intelligence quotes in the workplace

Emotional Intelligence Quotes: Leadership

  1. Leadership is not domination, but the art of persuading people to work toward a common goal.

    Daniel Goleman

Force might ensure compliance, but persuasion gives rise to commitment. True leaders make people want to follow them toward a shared vision.

leadership is the art of persuading

  1. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

    Theodore Roosevelt

Connection must come before content. Showing genuine care and concern is key to establishing the trust necessary for your knowledge and guidance to be received.

people dont care how much you know

  1. Great leaders move us. They ignite our passion and inspire the best in us.

    Daniel Goleman

A manager may direct tasks, but a great leader taps into something deeper. They connect with our emotions and make us feel part of something bigger than ourselves.

great leaders move us

  1. To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.

    Eleanor Roosevelt

Self-management requires logic and discipline. Influencing others requires empathy, compassion, and an authentic awareness of their perspective.

to handle others use your heart

  1. A leader is best when people barely know he exists… when his work is done, they will say: we did it ourselves.

    Lao Tzu

This speaks to the highest form of leadership: empowerment. The goal is not to be the hero, but to create an environment where others can become their own heroes.

a leader is best when people barely know he exists

Emotional Intelligence Quotes for Strong Relationships

  1. The most fundamental aggression to ourselves, the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant by not having the courage to look at ourselves honestly and gently.

    Pema Chödrön

Avoiding self-reflection is a form of self-harm. True kindness to oneself involves having the courage to see one’s flaws without harsh judgment.

emotional intelligence quotes

  1. The quality of your life is the quality of your relationships.

    Tony Robbins

Achievements and possessions are likely to feel hollow without meaningful connections. The richness of life is found in the love and support we share with others.

quality of life quality of relationships

  1. True love is born from understanding.

    Buddha

Love that is based only on attraction is fleeting. Only if it is built on a foundation of deep may mutual understanding have the strength necessary to endure.

Read more: 84 Unconditional Love Quotes for Every Soul

true love is born from understanding

  1. In the end, what affects your life most deeply are things too simple to talk about.

    Nell Blaine

A shared laugh, a comforting hand, a moment of silent understanding – these are the small, powerful emotional currents that truly shape our lives.

emotional life quotes

  1. Connection is why we’re here; it gives purpose and meaning to our lives.

    Brené Brown

We are wired for connection. It is a fundamental human need, and fulfilling it is central to a joyful and meaningful existence.

Read more: 60 Quotes on the Meaning of Life – Wisdom for Life Pilgrims

connection gives purpose and meaning

Humble emotional intelligence quotes

Emotional Intelligence Quotes About Life

  1. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.

    Charles R. Swindoll

A reminder that we all possess immense power. While we can’t control the world outside, we are always in charge of what is inside.

Read more: 105 Stoic Quotes to Live by Every Day for a Virtuous & Fulfilling Life

life is 10% what happens to you

  1. The person who masters himself through self-control and discipline is truly undefeatable.

    Buddha

External battles can be lost, but one who has conquered their own impulses and reactivity has won the most important victory of all.

self-control discipline quotes

  1. The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.

    Charles Darwin

We are not our thoughts. Rather, we are the observer of our thoughts, with the power to choose which ones to engage with.

we ought to control our thoughts

  1. Feelings are something you have; not something you are.

    Shannon Alder

One can have a feeling of sadness without becoming a “sad person”. Just allow the emotion to pass without letting it define you!

Read more: 120 Overcoming Sadness Quotes – From Sorrow to Strength

emotional intelligence quotes

  1. The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.

    Carl Rogers

Fighting against reality is exhausting and fruitless. Genuine acceptance provides the calm, stable ground from which real, lasting change may take root.

inspirational emotional intelligence quotes

Inspirational emotional intelligence quotes

Lack of Emotional Intelligence Quotes

  1. People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

    Maya Angelou

The details of an interaction fade, but the emotional imprint we leave on others is lasting. It is the true measure of our impact on the world.

people will never forget how you made them feel

  1. Any person capable of angering you becomes your master; he can anger you only when you permit yourself to be disturbed by him.

    Epictetus

Indeed, giving someone else the key to your emotional state is a form of bondage. Emotional freedom comes from choosing not to let external events disturb one’s inner peace.

Read more: 45 Inner Peace Quotes – Nourishing Wisdom for Tranquility & Harmony

anger quotes

  1. Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.

    Sigmund Freud

Ignoring feelings doesn’t make them disappear; it just forces them underground. They will eventually resurface, often with more force and in less healthy ways.

unexpressed emotions will never die

  1. The inability to open up to hope is what blocks trust, and blocked trust is the reason for blighted dreams.

    Elizabeth Gilbert

Hope is the foundation for trusting others and ourselves. Without it, we become closed off to the possibilities and relationships that make it possible for our dreams to grow.

Read more: 57 Hope Quotes to Uplift Spirits & Brighten the Day

lack of emotional intelligence quotes

  1. Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.

    James Baldwin

Avoidance is the enemy of progress. The first, most courageous step toward any kind of change is to turn and look squarely at the problem.

Read more: 85 Embracing Change Quotes – Thriving in Transformation

nothing can be changed until it is faced

Low EQ quotes

Developing Your EQ Quotes

  1. Emotional intelligence is a skill you can develop – just like riding a bike or learning to cook.

    Anonymous

EQ isn’t a fixed trait you’re born with; it’s a set of abilities that can be learned and strengthened through conscious practice.

emotional intelligence quotes

  1. We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.

    Carl Jung

Judging yourself for a flaw only keeps you stuck in it. Acknowledging it with neutrality – “this is what is” – is what unlocks the freedom to change.

condemnation does not liberate

  1. Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response.

    Viktor Frankl

This tiny space is the home of all personal freedom. The practice of emotional intelligence is the practice of widening that space, even by a millisecond.

Read more: 100 Deep Quotes About Life Choices & Decisions

between stimulus and response

  1. Practice is the hardest part of learning, and training is the essence of transformation.

    Ann Voskamp

Reading about emotional intelligence is easy; putting it into practice during a moment of stress is the real work. Consistent training is what turns knowledge into a new way of being.

practice is the hardest part of learning

  1. You can’t grow yourself unless you know yourself.

    John C. Maxwell

Self-improvement requires a clear starting point. An honest assessment of one’s strengths, weaknesses, and emotional patterns is the essential first step on any path of growth.

Read more: 55 Self-discovery Quotes – Know Thyself!

grow yourself know yourself

High EQ quotes

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