Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking

Summary (from the publisher): At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over working in teams. It is to introverts—Rosa Parks, Chopin, Dr. Seuss, Steve Wozniak—that we owe many of the great contributions to society.

In Quiet, Susan Cain argues that we dramatically undervalue introverts and shows how much we lose in doing so. She charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal throughout the twentieth century and explores how deeply it has come to permeate our culture. She also introduces us to successful introverts—from a witty, high-octane public speaker who recharges in solitude after his talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions. Passionately argued, superbly researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet has the power to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how they see themselves.

Review: This eye-opening book examines the personality type of the introvert. Cain sheds light on the many benefits and advantages of valuing both introverts and extroverts and how the benefits of introverts have been overshadowed by the "Extrovert Ideal." In America, there is the overwhelming belief that "the ideal self is gregarious, alpha, and comfortable in the spotlight" (4). Because of the overwhelming appeal of the extroverted individual, our culture has turned it into the standard, thus also suppressing the many pros of introversion. In Quiet, Cain gives voice to the third of the population who fall into the introverted category.

I learned some many interesting details about those with introverted personality traits from this book. For example, many introverts are also highly sensitive - meaning they are more easily moved by a beautiful song or a heinous act of violence. But also they may literally be more physically sensitive to taste and touch. Introverted leaders are exceptionally talented at leading initiative-takers because "of their inclination to listen to others and lack of interest in dominating social situations" (57). And interestingly, many of the well-known innovators throughout history were introverts, because they prefer to work independently and solitude is a unique catalyst for innovation. Introverts are also better at delaying gratification, "a crucial life skill associated with everything from higher SAT scores and income to lower body mass index" (163).

One idea discussed by Cain that particularly resonated with me was the concept of "self-monitoring" or when individuals modify "their behavior to the social demands of a situation" (212). As an introvert myself, this rang very true for me, as I frequently dig deep to appear outgoing and chatty as the occasion requires, even though more than likely I'm wishing I was at home with a book the whole time.

This was an insightful book that draws attentions to the virtues of having different personality types and the often overlooked benefits of being a more quiet and reserved individual. Although I found this book interesting as a fellow introvert, I also think this book is a relevant read for anyone and could be particularly helpful for extroverts who may not understand the introverted point of view. And considering the large numbers of individuals who are classified as introverts, understanding this trait is a relevant skill for everyone in our society.

Stars: 4