/lit/ - Literature

A lot of authors that /lit/ loves, like Joyce and Kafka, are heralded for their advanced emotional intelligence, which is one of the many factors that allowed them to write such fulfilling literature. But I don't think there's many threads that discuss what that is, how it enhances literature, and how to foster it to improve literary appreciation.

What are some good books on the basics of emotional intelligence? i.e., something to get started on the foundations, identifying emotions, and practical exercises. What are some clear, universal examples of where an author's emotional depth shines through? Is my lack of emotional intelligence why I can't stop reading Ludwig Wittgenstein but I can't start reading James Joyce?