Hi Arnettpartners...
Wikipedia Daniel Goleman or go to danielgoleman.info
He's one of the originators of the emotional intelligence concept. His book, Vital Lies, Simple Truths: The Psychology of Self Deception, has some very intriguing analysis. This book, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, is the one to which I referred earlier.
My point was that how we feel about ourselves, other people, and things affects how we listen and what we listen to. Even what sorts of noise we have been subjected to during the day can affect our listening experience.
I have a friend who one time told me that sometimes his system sounds "magnificent" and other times like "cr#p", and over time the only variables he could find to account for this were his emotions and attitudes and moods as they varied day-to-day, week-to-week, etc.
He has an civil engineering background and is a finance/insurance professional. He's an exceptional photographer and musician as well. A very cognitive rational guy with a music system that always sounds great to me.
Just a point that some days are better for making evaluations than others...and that we should be aware of mood and attitude when we find ourselves dissatisfied or annoyed with what our hard work has wrought us.... just a thought!
For example, when I am stressed, even a trace of sibilance in my system (knowing, of course, that recording vary as to quality) will drive me nuts. But if I get some exercise, etc. whoah! A completely different experience altogether.
As to EI, check it out... it's extended its principles into some intriguing venues.
:) listening,
Ed
