Societies and Social Intelligence guides readers to become more aware of the power and complexities of societies and social influences in their everyday lives. Our social intelligence, the sum total of this understanding, shows us how our societies are related to our families, beliefs, social classes, and cultures, as well as how we can change societies and ourselves. Increasing our social intelligence brings more meaning and purpose into our lives, and helps us to think critically about the many world views we are asked to believe. As we increase our social intelligence, we become freer and more independent from our societies, and more effective in contributing to the common good. We gain the courage needed to let go of our most contradictory or most unproductive social identities; we choose more authentic social affiliations; and we work with others to build alternative societies. Becoming more objective about our societies, through increasing our social intelligence, makes us stronger and healthier. Furthermore, because social intelligence is learned, we can pass on this valuable know-how to others, especially to members of the next generations.