To get an eloquent reminder of this impact is timely, given the stream of recent books paying one-sided attention to rationality and knowledge.

Leonard Mlodinow, a physicist and author, offers a crash course, one that feels less like cramming than like a colorful tour of the behavior of humans—and the rest of the animal kingdom. Most of this smart, trim volume is about the science of emotion rather than how to use it, but he doesn’t miss the opportunity to dole out advice and provide opportunities for self-reflection.

The book is an attempt to understand the purpose of emotions and how they affect us — as well as what we can do to control them.

He makes a convincing case that, instead of detracting from intelligence, such responses allow for better decision-making and more effective communication. He offers plenty of colorful examples.

Noted physicist and science writer Mlodinow brings an up-to-date view of the neuroscience surrounding emotions.