The Early Western History of the Concept of Emotional Intelligence (1811–1990): From the Era of Proto-Emotional Intelligence to the Dawn of Scholarly Interest

Since 1990, research on emotional intelligence (EI) has generated both controversy and promise. Yet little is known about its early conceptual history. This article addresses that shortcoming by tracing the origins and evolution of EI through literature, arts, philosophy, and early social science, outlining how diverse references gradually coalesced into a recognizable construct. We identify “proto-EI” instantiations—precursors that resonate with today's “four-branch” model—and trace how they developed across domains, culminating in a more focused scholarly interest in the late 20th century. Our contribution is threefold: (a) documenting imprints of EI and proto-EI, (b) clarifying the trajectory of EI as a concept rather than an essence, and (c) opening avenues for future research by highlighting forgotten dimensions and interdisciplinary and intercultural possibilities.