Emotional Learning : The Crucial Role of the Adolescent Brain in Developing Lifelong Motivation, Passion, and Drive

by Roald Dahl

An ambitious blueprint for the fulfilled life

In this fascinating book, pediatrician and neuropsychiatric researcher Ronald Dahl examines the biological and psychological origins of high-intensity positive feelings, and their influences on the development of powerful emotional and motivational tendencies. He sets forth the groundbreaking idea that passionate motivation, inspired goals, and intensely joyful experiences have shared roots in a particular learning process. Drawing upon Dahl's own clinical work and research, as well as that of others, "Emotional Learning explains how certain emotional tendencies are something that can be learned, much as one learns to ride a bicycle.

Adolescence, with its unique interface between a changing biology and new depths of emotional experience, represents a critical period for this type of emotional learning.

While many kinds of emotional learning occur during infancy and childhood, puberty represents a natural time for igniting passions, establishing goals, and acquiring new skills in navigating intense feelings. This creates opportunities as well as vulnerabilities in the lives of adolescents. Also explored are the deep emotional influences arising from feelings of larger purpose. Such feelings, which include spiritual longing and the desire for connection, may represent a neural architecture that facilitates a particular kind of emotional learning, which ultimately endows us with the capacity for passionate motivations that can last a lifetime.

Ronald Dahl, M.D., is a Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He has served as a core-scientific member of The MacArthur Foundation ResearchNetwork on Development of Psychopathology, and The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Research Network on the Etiology of Nicotine Dependence, and currently directs a program of research funded by the National Institute of Mental Health on emotion regulation and adolescent brain development.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Roald Dahl was a beloved British author, poet, screenwriter, and wartime fighter pilot, best known for his enchanting and often darkly humorous children's books that have captivated generations of readers around the world. Born in Llandaff, Wales, to Norwegian parents, Dahl led a life marked by adventure, tragedy, creativity, and enduring literary success. His vivid imagination and distinctive storytelling style have made him one of the most celebrated children's authors in modern literature.
Before becoming a writer, Dahl lived a life filled with excitement and hardship. He served as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, surviving a near-fatal crash in the Libyan desert. His wartime experiences and travels deeply influenced his storytelling, often infusing his works with a sense of danger, resilience, and the triumph of the underdog. After the war, he began writing for both adults and children, showing a rare versatility that spanned genres and age groups.
Dahl's children's books are known for their playful use of language, unforgettable characters, and a deep sense of justice, often pitting clever children against cruel or foolish adults. Some of his most iconic titles include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, and The Witches. These works are filled with fantastical elements and moral undertones, empowering young readers to challenge authority, think independently, and believe in the impossible.
Equally acclaimed for his work for adults, Dahl wrote numerous short stories characterized by their macabre twists and dark humor. His stories were frequently published in magazines such as The New Yorker and later compiled into bestselling collections like Someone Like You and Kiss Kiss. He also wrote screenplays, including the James Bond film You Only Live Twice and the adaptation of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Despite his literary success, Dahl was a complex and sometimes controversial figure, known for his strong opinions and difficult personality. Nonetheless, his books continue to be treasured for their wit, originality, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Many of his stories have been adapted into successful films, stage plays, and television specials, further cementing his legacy.
Dahl's impact on children's literature is immeasurable. His ability to connect with young readers through a mix of irreverence, heart, and imagination has made his stories timeless. Even after his death, his books remain in print and continue to be read by millions of children worldwide. His writing not only entertains but also encourages curiosity, courage, and compassion.
Roald Dahl's work lives on as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of a truly original voice. He remains a towering figure in literature whose creations continue to spark joy, mischief, and inspiration across generations.