THIS is with reference to Fatima Zia Dar’s article Emotional intelligence and literature (issue of July 14, 2002), wherein the writer has correctly mentioned that “New brain research suggests that emotions, not IQ tests, may be the true measure of human intelligence.”

Sir, iIence and not the IQ. of a person which gives him/her an edge over other fellows in the society. It is commonly observed that there are people with average IQ and average qualification but people still turn to them for consultation and advice. It is the emotional quotient of such persons which command exalted position in the Society.

It is unfortunate that our system of selection by various institutions, except military, is flawed in the sense that it mainly depends on the academic achievement of the person (which is mainly based on rote-learning and selective studies) and his/her I.Q. as determined/assessed in the written and oral tests. The aspect of emotional intelligence has rarely been taken into consideration which is more important than I.Q. because a person with high I.Q. is not necessarily emotionally balanced. That is why many people with high I.Q. have played havoc where-ever they worked and betrayed the confidence of their fellow-workers and employers.

It is the need of the hour that the recruitment institutions should devise necessary measures to asses the emotional intelligence of the candidates alongwith the I.Q. tests.

The advanced countries have gone even a step further, i.e., while selecting a person for a certain position, they also assess the spiritual Quotient along with his/her I.Q. and emotional quotient. Spiritual Quotient of a person indicates his/her dedication to duty, integrity, truthfulness and devotion to a noble cause.

PROF ATA-UL-HAQ SUBHANI
Faisalabad