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小懈谢邪 褨薪褌褉芯胁械褉褌褨胁. 孝懈褏褨 谢褞写懈 褍 褋胁褨褌褨, 褖芯 薪械 屑芯卸械 屑芯胁褔邪褌懈
欧宝娱乐 Choice Award
Winner for Readers' Favorite Nonfiction (2012)袣褨谢褜泻邪 褋褌芯谢褨褌褜 薪邪屑 薪邪胁鈥櫻徯费冃残靶恍� 褨写械邪谢褜薪懈泄 芯斜褉邪蟹 谢褞写懈薪懈 鈥� 泻芯屑褍薪褨泻邪斜械谢褜薪芯褩, 褏邪褉懈蟹屑邪褌懈褔薪芯褩, 械薪械褉谐褨泄薪芯褩, 鈥� 屑芯胁谢褟胁, 褋邪屑械 褑褨 褉懈褋懈 鈥� 蟹邪锌芯褉褍泻邪 褍褋锌褨褏褍. 孝芯屑褍 泄 薪械 写懈胁薪芯, 褖芯 斜褨谢褜褕褨褋褌褜 锌械褉械褋褌褍锌懈谢邪 褔械褉械蟹 褋械斜械, 薪邪屑邪谐邪褞褔懈褋褜 胁褨写锌芯胁褨写邪褌懈 褑褜芯屑褍 胁蟹褨褉褑械胁褨.
小褜褞蟹械薪 袣械泄薪 胁胁邪卸邪褦, 褖芯 褔邪褋 褋泻懈薪褍褌懈 屑邪褋泻懈, 褨 薪邪 褔懈褋谢械薪薪懈褏 锌褉懈泻谢邪写邪褏 蟹 锌芯谢褨褌懈泻懈, 斜褨蟹薪械褋褍, 芯褋胁褨褌懈, 谐褉芯屑邪写褋褜泻芯谐芯 褌邪 泻褍谢褜褌褍褉薪芯谐芯 卸懈褌褌褟 褉芯蟹锌芯胁褨写邪褦, 褍 褔芯屑褍 泻褉懈褦褌褜褋褟 锌芯褌械薪褑褨邪谢 褌懈褏懈褏 谢褞写械泄. 袣械泄薪 褋邪屑邪 褨薪褌褉芯胁械褉褌, 褌芯屑褍 褖懈褉芯 写褨谢懈褌褜褋褟 锌芯褉邪写邪屑懈, 褟泻 蟹写芯斜褍褌懈 褍褋锌褨褏 薪邪 褉芯斜芯褌褨 褨 胁 芯褋芯斜懈褋褌芯屑褍 卸懈褌褌褨, 锌褉懈 褑褜芯屑褍 蟹邪谢懈褕邪褞褔懈褋褜 褋邪屑懈屑 褋芯斜芯褞.
袛谢褟 褨薪褌褉芯胁械褉褌褨胁 褌邪 械泻褋褌褉邪胁械褉褌褨胁, 褟泻褨 褏芯褔褍褌褜 蟹褉芯蟹褍屑褨褌懈 褋械斜械 褨 褌懈褏, 褏褌芯 锌芯褉褟写.
小褜褞蟹械薪 袣械泄薪 胁胁邪卸邪褦, 褖芯 褔邪褋 褋泻懈薪褍褌懈 屑邪褋泻懈, 褨 薪邪 褔懈褋谢械薪薪懈褏 锌褉懈泻谢邪写邪褏 蟹 锌芯谢褨褌懈泻懈, 斜褨蟹薪械褋褍, 芯褋胁褨褌懈, 谐褉芯屑邪写褋褜泻芯谐芯 褌邪 泻褍谢褜褌褍褉薪芯谐芯 卸懈褌褌褟 褉芯蟹锌芯胁褨写邪褦, 褍 褔芯屑褍 泻褉懈褦褌褜褋褟 锌芯褌械薪褑褨邪谢 褌懈褏懈褏 谢褞写械泄. 袣械泄薪 褋邪屑邪 褨薪褌褉芯胁械褉褌, 褌芯屑褍 褖懈褉芯 写褨谢懈褌褜褋褟 锌芯褉邪写邪屑懈, 褟泻 蟹写芯斜褍褌懈 褍褋锌褨褏 薪邪 褉芯斜芯褌褨 褨 胁 芯褋芯斜懈褋褌芯屑褍 卸懈褌褌褨, 锌褉懈 褑褜芯屑褍 蟹邪谢懈褕邪褞褔懈褋褜 褋邪屑懈屑 褋芯斜芯褞.
袛谢褟 褨薪褌褉芯胁械褉褌褨胁 褌邪 械泻褋褌褉邪胁械褉褌褨胁, 褟泻褨 褏芯褔褍褌褜 蟹褉芯蟹褍屑褨褌懈 褋械斜械 褨 褌懈褏, 褏褌芯 锌芯褉褟写.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 24, 2012
55.8k people are currently reading
885k people want to read
About the author
Susan Cain
17听books24.7k听followers鈥淨UIET: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can鈥檛 Stop Talking,鈥� was released in January, 2012, from Crown Publishers in the U.S., and from Viking/Penguin in the U.K. Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts was released in May, 2016 from Dial Books in the U.S., and from Penguin Life in the U.K. "BITTERSWEET: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole" has been released in the U.S. and U.K.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
SUSAN CAIN is the author of the bestsellers Quiet Journal, Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts, and Quiet: The Power of Introverts in A World That Can鈥檛 Stop Talking, which has been translated into 40 languages, is in its seventh year on the New York Times best seller list, and was named the #1 best book of the year by Fast Company magazine, which also named Cain one of its Most Creative People in Business. Her latest masterpiece, BITTERSWEET: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole, was released in the US on April 5, 2022 (international editions are forthcoming).
LinkedIn named her the 6th Top Influencer in the world. Susan has partnered with Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Grant and Dan Pink to launch the Next Big Idea Book Club and they donate all their proceeds to children鈥檚 literacy programs.
Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, and many other publications. Her record-smashing TED talk has been viewed over 40 million times on TED.com and YouTube combined, and was named by Bill Gates one of his all-time favorite talks.
Cain has also spoken at Microsoft, Google, the U.S. Treasury, the S.E.C., Harvard, Yale, West Point and the US Naval Academy. She received Harvard Law School鈥檚 Celebration Award for Thought Leadership, the Toastmasters International Golden Gavel Award for Communication and Leadership, and was named one of the world鈥檚 top 50 Leadership and Management Experts by Inc. Magazine. She is an honors graduate of Princeton and Harvard Law School. She lives in the Hudson River Valley with her husband and two sons.
Please visit -
-
-
-
-
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
SUSAN CAIN is the author of the bestsellers Quiet Journal, Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts, and Quiet: The Power of Introverts in A World That Can鈥檛 Stop Talking, which has been translated into 40 languages, is in its seventh year on the New York Times best seller list, and was named the #1 best book of the year by Fast Company magazine, which also named Cain one of its Most Creative People in Business. Her latest masterpiece, BITTERSWEET: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole, was released in the US on April 5, 2022 (international editions are forthcoming).
LinkedIn named her the 6th Top Influencer in the world. Susan has partnered with Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Grant and Dan Pink to launch the Next Big Idea Book Club and they donate all their proceeds to children鈥檚 literacy programs.
Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, and many other publications. Her record-smashing TED talk has been viewed over 40 million times on TED.com and YouTube combined, and was named by Bill Gates one of his all-time favorite talks.
Cain has also spoken at Microsoft, Google, the U.S. Treasury, the S.E.C., Harvard, Yale, West Point and the US Naval Academy. She received Harvard Law School鈥檚 Celebration Award for Thought Leadership, the Toastmasters International Golden Gavel Award for Communication and Leadership, and was named one of the world鈥檚 top 50 Leadership and Management Experts by Inc. Magazine. She is an honors graduate of Princeton and Harvard Law School. She lives in the Hudson River Valley with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30,692 reviews
April 16, 2013
In a twist that will surprise precisely no one, this book spends a fair amount of time cheering for introverts. What were the odds, right? I assume if you're picking this book up you're on board with that to a certain extent, and likely something of an introvert yourself.
This book is certainly for you-or for the perplexed extrovert or "pseudo-extrovert" that might be confused by your supposedly mysterious ways. It's a sort of shield, a blockade, a set of reinforced walls that Cain feels it is necessary to throw up around introverts (particularly American introverts) to protect them from the "Extrovered Ideal," of American socialization. The tone of the beginning of the book is thus rather defiant, like Cain is screaming back at everyone she has ever felt pressured by to go to a happy hour or to a dinner party when she had much rather just read a book instead. There's some of this kick-back throughout the book, with plenty of cathartic/sympathetic/rather relatable war stories from introverts just tryin' to make it in an extrovert's world.
It is particularly meant to speak to introverts in the high flying business, legal, and/or educational world, where a premium is put on socializing, teamwork, constant connection and multitasking (I am speaking here particularly of the rarefied worlds of Big Law, Wall Street Finance, and Ivy League academia). It's a very career and work focused book, with a surprisingly frequent focus on the bottom line about what traits introverts are more likely to have and how these should be recognized at the top tables in all fields. Her argument, based on one scientific study after another throughout the chapters (deployed like so much artillery), is that introverts tend to think more deeply about problems and persist for longer in trying to solve them. Introverts are supposedly more likely to care about the feelings of others, to make excellent compromising leaders, and to be excellent negotiators (Cain's particular area of expertise) based on their ability to seem soft and actually be tough at the same time. She scorns the merely "shy" as extroverts in disguise who share extroverts' traits and want the spotlight but who are just too scared to get it (she would never say this outright, but it is clear that she believes they don't deserve the secret introvert password and is determined to keep out the riffraff). She argues that the extroverts in powerful positions she has seen are more likely to take unjustified risks, to get hopped up on testosterone and the thrill of the chase, to listen to the loudest person in the room, and to walk all over introverts.
She readily admits the nuances in these sweeping generalizations. She also admits the worth of extroverts and how introverts greatly enjoy and need their company, both professionally and personally. In addition, she also talks about some legitimate times when introverts may devote time and energy to being extroverted (if they care about something enough- "Free Trait Theory"). Finally, and in the part that I most appreciated, Cain talks a bit about the "Situational" theory of personality- that is, that people's personalities can be completely different in different situations, times and around different people. Therefore, there are very few "pure" introverts or "pure" extroverts. She also admits that the way that these generalized "traits" play out may look very different and may, after all, not be very predictive in any direct way. (Many extroverts may have excellent impulse control, or introverts who care deeply about a cause may act frequently and completely out of character in order to fight for what they believe in.)
However, the space devoted to these arguments is much, much smaller than the space devoted to proving, endlessly, how awesome introverts are and why the professional world should value them and stop trying to tell them that they have to be like extroverts because I'm okay and you're okay and it takes all kinds and a village to make the world go round.
And honestly? This is a message that's happening to hit me at the right time, when I'm involved in a workplace with a whole lot of extroverts surrounding me. I did find it useful in my particular mindset where I am actively waging a struggle to define my own style in a new profession, since introversion is a part of my identity. I also thought that some of the studies she cited DO make a lot of sense and should be more widely looked at (like the ones that talk about why it's a good idea to ask people to provide feedback and brainstorm online rather than in big meetings or why introverts with closed door offices are more productive or some of the advice to parents about how to cherish their introverted child). I also think that it's nice to have someone sounding the alert that someone speaking quietly is not wrong by default- turn on cable news for thirty seconds and you'll be reminded why that is important.
And yet, despite the evident time put into this book, and despite my bias towards it, I couldn't shake the feeling of cynical questioning of what felt like a great deal of pop psychology and arguments made based on feelings, anecdotes and newspaper clippings collected into a narrative. It felt like a file you might keep to make yourself feel better and to express an important part of your identity, rather than a research paper and I'm sure it was aiming at something closer to that crossed with an advice column. There's such a lot of speculation in here, and lots of scientific studies without citations or countervailing evidence brought into play. (For example, it certainly didn't help that the minute after I read one of the more fluffy scientific studies in here about how we Americans as a culture are more drawn to people that display significantly more traditionally dominant body language in pictures I saw it in an issue of Marie Claire in a box near the back of the magazine reconfigured to be about women being attracted to men and how you've gotta look aggressive and Manly to get us ladiezz don't you know?) It just seems like a book written for a specific audience that you can rely on to make that leap to "just know" what you mean because they've got an emotional bank of misunderstood years and moments to draw on. In short, it appeals to an "emotional truth" built on hundreds of pages of stories and studies that may or may not add up to anything at all. On the one hand, it's maybe okay to create a space for a "community" of sorts to feel and process some of that- on the other hand, it will drag down the overall quality of that work into something closer to a melancholy history crossed with a dinner party argument.
Therefore, despite its strengths, and despite the personal enjoyment and help that I have taken from the book at this particular time, I can't rate it as more than an above average read. An intellectualized comfort read for introverted professionals, really, if such a specialized category really exists. I can't rate it higher when I feel like one good scholarly journal review would take the whole theory down, especially when it feels like an argument for corporations to pay introverts more a lot of the time. Nonetheless, a lot of interesting questions asked, a lot of self-reflection inspired. Recommended for my fellow introverts if you're at a place where you feel like something like I described above might be helpful to you at this time. Otherwise, I'd say you could skip it or just watch her TED talk instead.
This book is certainly for you-or for the perplexed extrovert or "pseudo-extrovert" that might be confused by your supposedly mysterious ways. It's a sort of shield, a blockade, a set of reinforced walls that Cain feels it is necessary to throw up around introverts (particularly American introverts) to protect them from the "Extrovered Ideal," of American socialization. The tone of the beginning of the book is thus rather defiant, like Cain is screaming back at everyone she has ever felt pressured by to go to a happy hour or to a dinner party when she had much rather just read a book instead. There's some of this kick-back throughout the book, with plenty of cathartic/sympathetic/rather relatable war stories from introverts just tryin' to make it in an extrovert's world.
It is particularly meant to speak to introverts in the high flying business, legal, and/or educational world, where a premium is put on socializing, teamwork, constant connection and multitasking (I am speaking here particularly of the rarefied worlds of Big Law, Wall Street Finance, and Ivy League academia). It's a very career and work focused book, with a surprisingly frequent focus on the bottom line about what traits introverts are more likely to have and how these should be recognized at the top tables in all fields. Her argument, based on one scientific study after another throughout the chapters (deployed like so much artillery), is that introverts tend to think more deeply about problems and persist for longer in trying to solve them. Introverts are supposedly more likely to care about the feelings of others, to make excellent compromising leaders, and to be excellent negotiators (Cain's particular area of expertise) based on their ability to seem soft and actually be tough at the same time. She scorns the merely "shy" as extroverts in disguise who share extroverts' traits and want the spotlight but who are just too scared to get it (she would never say this outright, but it is clear that she believes they don't deserve the secret introvert password and is determined to keep out the riffraff). She argues that the extroverts in powerful positions she has seen are more likely to take unjustified risks, to get hopped up on testosterone and the thrill of the chase, to listen to the loudest person in the room, and to walk all over introverts.
She readily admits the nuances in these sweeping generalizations. She also admits the worth of extroverts and how introverts greatly enjoy and need their company, both professionally and personally. In addition, she also talks about some legitimate times when introverts may devote time and energy to being extroverted (if they care about something enough- "Free Trait Theory"). Finally, and in the part that I most appreciated, Cain talks a bit about the "Situational" theory of personality- that is, that people's personalities can be completely different in different situations, times and around different people. Therefore, there are very few "pure" introverts or "pure" extroverts. She also admits that the way that these generalized "traits" play out may look very different and may, after all, not be very predictive in any direct way. (Many extroverts may have excellent impulse control, or introverts who care deeply about a cause may act frequently and completely out of character in order to fight for what they believe in.)
However, the space devoted to these arguments is much, much smaller than the space devoted to proving, endlessly, how awesome introverts are and why the professional world should value them and stop trying to tell them that they have to be like extroverts because I'm okay and you're okay and it takes all kinds and a village to make the world go round.
And honestly? This is a message that's happening to hit me at the right time, when I'm involved in a workplace with a whole lot of extroverts surrounding me. I did find it useful in my particular mindset where I am actively waging a struggle to define my own style in a new profession, since introversion is a part of my identity. I also thought that some of the studies she cited DO make a lot of sense and should be more widely looked at (like the ones that talk about why it's a good idea to ask people to provide feedback and brainstorm online rather than in big meetings or why introverts with closed door offices are more productive or some of the advice to parents about how to cherish their introverted child). I also think that it's nice to have someone sounding the alert that someone speaking quietly is not wrong by default- turn on cable news for thirty seconds and you'll be reminded why that is important.
And yet, despite the evident time put into this book, and despite my bias towards it, I couldn't shake the feeling of cynical questioning of what felt like a great deal of pop psychology and arguments made based on feelings, anecdotes and newspaper clippings collected into a narrative. It felt like a file you might keep to make yourself feel better and to express an important part of your identity, rather than a research paper and I'm sure it was aiming at something closer to that crossed with an advice column. There's such a lot of speculation in here, and lots of scientific studies without citations or countervailing evidence brought into play. (For example, it certainly didn't help that the minute after I read one of the more fluffy scientific studies in here about how we Americans as a culture are more drawn to people that display significantly more traditionally dominant body language in pictures I saw it in an issue of Marie Claire in a box near the back of the magazine reconfigured to be about women being attracted to men and how you've gotta look aggressive and Manly to get us ladiezz don't you know?) It just seems like a book written for a specific audience that you can rely on to make that leap to "just know" what you mean because they've got an emotional bank of misunderstood years and moments to draw on. In short, it appeals to an "emotional truth" built on hundreds of pages of stories and studies that may or may not add up to anything at all. On the one hand, it's maybe okay to create a space for a "community" of sorts to feel and process some of that- on the other hand, it will drag down the overall quality of that work into something closer to a melancholy history crossed with a dinner party argument.
Therefore, despite its strengths, and despite the personal enjoyment and help that I have taken from the book at this particular time, I can't rate it as more than an above average read. An intellectualized comfort read for introverted professionals, really, if such a specialized category really exists. I can't rate it higher when I feel like one good scholarly journal review would take the whole theory down, especially when it feels like an argument for corporations to pay introverts more a lot of the time. Nonetheless, a lot of interesting questions asked, a lot of self-reflection inspired. Recommended for my fellow introverts if you're at a place where you feel like something like I described above might be helpful to you at this time. Otherwise, I'd say you could skip it or just watch her TED talk instead.
June 11, 2015
鈥淭here's zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.鈥�
I read this book for the same reason most people read this book: I am an introvert. I have always been an introvert, and it's a fundamental, sometimes limiting, part of who I am.
I've learned to deal with it better over the years - learned to clasp my shaking hands together during presentations, force myself to breathe normally and keep my voice steady, even force myself to make the first move in social situations. Unless you are also an introvert, you probably won't understand the efforts I have to go to (and the psychological strain this puts on me) just to behave in a way that is considered socially acceptable and is desired by employers.
It's actually caused me upset and distress for many reasons. Firstly because I find it hard to cope in the many situations where bright, outgoing personalities thrive. Secondly because it's just considered a negative trait. Look at magazines, look at books like , look at job applications asking for "people persons". I remember reading teen magazines in high school and seeing stupid articles about how to attract boys - confident, dazzling personalities are a necessity! - and feeling a very real blow to my self-esteem.
But I have accepted it as an unfortunate fact of reality for years - the simple conclusion that being introverted is a bad thing. Not a terrible thing, and definitely not an impossible thing to cope with - technology billionaires are often introverts after all - but something limiting (like a lower intelligence) that I must constantly battle against to make it through this world.
Until I read this book.
Susan Cain uses facts, statistics and her own case studies to show that introverts are greatly successful and powerful, not in spite of their introversion, but because of it. She compares different types of businesses and teamwork to show how extroverts and introverts each excel in different types of business environments. For example, extroverts often lead businesses better when there is little input from other team members; whereas introverts thrive in situations that rely on the input of a team because they are more likely to listen to the other members and implement their ideas.
From Harvard Business School students to Ivy League professors to Rosa Parks, Cain looks at the different types of influence introverts and extroverts have. She does not place favour on one or the other, but instead portrays a view of the world in which both have an extremely important part to play - it just so happens that the extroverts tend to be "louder" about it.
It's an important, engaging book that pulled along even a lover of fiction and fantasy like me. And, though comforting, it is still a respectable study that achieves more than just making introverts feel a little better about themselves. The findings speak for themselves and not only serve to please a shy little weirdo like me, but also make a lot of sense.
An important read for introverts and extroverts alike.
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I read this book for the same reason most people read this book: I am an introvert. I have always been an introvert, and it's a fundamental, sometimes limiting, part of who I am.
I've learned to deal with it better over the years - learned to clasp my shaking hands together during presentations, force myself to breathe normally and keep my voice steady, even force myself to make the first move in social situations. Unless you are also an introvert, you probably won't understand the efforts I have to go to (and the psychological strain this puts on me) just to behave in a way that is considered socially acceptable and is desired by employers.
It's actually caused me upset and distress for many reasons. Firstly because I find it hard to cope in the many situations where bright, outgoing personalities thrive. Secondly because it's just considered a negative trait. Look at magazines, look at books like , look at job applications asking for "people persons". I remember reading teen magazines in high school and seeing stupid articles about how to attract boys - confident, dazzling personalities are a necessity! - and feeling a very real blow to my self-esteem.
But I have accepted it as an unfortunate fact of reality for years - the simple conclusion that being introverted is a bad thing. Not a terrible thing, and definitely not an impossible thing to cope with - technology billionaires are often introverts after all - but something limiting (like a lower intelligence) that I must constantly battle against to make it through this world.
Until I read this book.
Susan Cain uses facts, statistics and her own case studies to show that introverts are greatly successful and powerful, not in spite of their introversion, but because of it. She compares different types of businesses and teamwork to show how extroverts and introverts each excel in different types of business environments. For example, extroverts often lead businesses better when there is little input from other team members; whereas introverts thrive in situations that rely on the input of a team because they are more likely to listen to the other members and implement their ideas.
From Harvard Business School students to Ivy League professors to Rosa Parks, Cain looks at the different types of influence introverts and extroverts have. She does not place favour on one or the other, but instead portrays a view of the world in which both have an extremely important part to play - it just so happens that the extroverts tend to be "louder" about it.
It's an important, engaging book that pulled along even a lover of fiction and fantasy like me. And, though comforting, it is still a respectable study that achieves more than just making introverts feel a little better about themselves. The findings speak for themselves and not only serve to please a shy little weirdo like me, but also make a lot of sense.
An important read for introverts and extroverts alike.
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December 17, 2012
I always thought I was just weird...
I can be alone in my car for a 1h drive and not want to have the radio or music on. On sundays I often join the walking club for a long 25km walk, but I prefer to do it alone (and oh, all the pity looks you get!). The idea of surprise parties makes me sick to my stomach, and any event where a thousand people are together is possibly even worse. I dislike small talk, but I probably hate even more how nervous I get when I have to do it.
I can feel sad for a bruised tomato no-one wants to buy (hey, he tried his best too, not his fault someone dropped him!), and while everyone else goes to the modern, light apothecary across the street with the super nice people always happy to help, I go to the dark and older one who never has clients (how else will he survive?)
Turns out I'm not that weird. I'm just a full blood introvert.
And yet, I'm not what you think. I'm not particularly shy, I'm not the grey bird that never says a word and everyone forgets she's around. I'm very opinionated and quite stubborn, and when amongst friends I know well, I can be the loudest person in the room.
But still I'm introvert. After being with friends or colleagues, I need recharging time. I need to be alone. I (almost) always think before I talk. I enjoy getting to the bottom of things, I enjoy detective work. And I can go on and on.
While reading this book, on occasion I was nodding so hard I thought my head might fall off.
There were very little eye-opening surprises in this book, and even a few things I didn't agree with or I would have hoped for her to explore more. Even a few occasions I thought she was idealizing introverts. This book was not perfect, but somehow i feel that it was important for me to read it.
Overall, it was quite liberating. I'm not that weird! About a third of us on this planet (and on a website as 欧宝娱乐 probably a LOT more) are more or less like me - not completely like me, I'm still unique (I insist!)
But that might not be an issue. Though some of you might recognize some of my examples above, I've never met someone before that can feel bad for a bruised tomato. So maybe i'm still little weird, and my own unique self. Hoorah
I can be alone in my car for a 1h drive and not want to have the radio or music on. On sundays I often join the walking club for a long 25km walk, but I prefer to do it alone (and oh, all the pity looks you get!). The idea of surprise parties makes me sick to my stomach, and any event where a thousand people are together is possibly even worse. I dislike small talk, but I probably hate even more how nervous I get when I have to do it.
I can feel sad for a bruised tomato no-one wants to buy (hey, he tried his best too, not his fault someone dropped him!), and while everyone else goes to the modern, light apothecary across the street with the super nice people always happy to help, I go to the dark and older one who never has clients (how else will he survive?)
Turns out I'm not that weird. I'm just a full blood introvert.
And yet, I'm not what you think. I'm not particularly shy, I'm not the grey bird that never says a word and everyone forgets she's around. I'm very opinionated and quite stubborn, and when amongst friends I know well, I can be the loudest person in the room.
But still I'm introvert. After being with friends or colleagues, I need recharging time. I need to be alone. I (almost) always think before I talk. I enjoy getting to the bottom of things, I enjoy detective work. And I can go on and on.
While reading this book, on occasion I was nodding so hard I thought my head might fall off.
There were very little eye-opening surprises in this book, and even a few things I didn't agree with or I would have hoped for her to explore more. Even a few occasions I thought she was idealizing introverts. This book was not perfect, but somehow i feel that it was important for me to read it.
Overall, it was quite liberating. I'm not that weird! About a third of us on this planet (and on a website as 欧宝娱乐 probably a LOT more) are more or less like me - not completely like me, I'm still unique (I insist!)
But that might not be an issue. Though some of you might recognize some of my examples above, I've never met someone before that can feel bad for a bruised tomato. So maybe i'm still little weird, and my own unique self. Hoorah
April 27, 2013
March 6th was Super Tuesday and I live in that Oh-so-much-talked-about-battle-ground-state of Ohio. I work the elections as a Ballot Judge, which means I hand out the ballots to the voters and give them instructions. I get to talk and talk, for 13 hours straight *sigh*. I try to make it entertaining for the voters, myself and the others I work with because of its repetition, but by 7:30 pm when the polls close I don鈥檛 think the language I was using was English.
My spiel went something like this鈥︹€�.
Me: 鈥淗i. What ballot can I get for you today?鈥�
Voter: 鈥淯h鈥︹€�.what do you mean?鈥�
Me: 鈥淭oday we have, Democratic, Republican, Libertarian or Green (I have never given out the last two)鈥�.
Voter: 鈥淲hat鈥檚 a Green party?鈥�
Me: 鈥淚鈥檓 not sure, but there is next to nothing on their ballot.鈥�
Voter: 鈥淚鈥檓 and independent (code for embarrassed Republican) can鈥檛 I have both a Democratic AND Republican ballot?鈥�
Me: 鈥淣o, you must declare one and you will be that party until the next primary. Ohio is a closed primary state.鈥�
Voter: 鈥淯h鈥�.then give me a *whispers* a Democrat one.鈥�
Me: *loudly* 鈥淒emocratic it is! Take all this to a table and vote, when you are done bring everything back to Rosemary in the red sweater by that machine. Make sure to tear off the stub on the bottom of the ballot鈥︹€�.the one that is marked 鈥渄o not detach鈥� when you come up to the machine. If you don鈥檛, you will make Rosemary angry (a very sweet and very old woman) and you won鈥檛 like her when she鈥檚 angry. She will cover you in I Voted stickers.鈥�
This resulted in lots of chuckles, but I did it 301 times. I was drained. I slept for 12 hours that night. Twelve. Grant it, I got up at stupid O 鈥榗lock to get to the polls by 6 am and maybe had 4 hours of sleep, but I was just a shell my former self. I am an introvert.
Introverts and extroverts are most easily determined by how their energy is drained and how it is refreshed. Extroverts are drained when they have spent too much time alone, and the opposite is true for introverts. So for me, my life force was gone.
In the United States our culture is biased towards the extrovert. We are about the loudness, the out there, the utter insanity if you will. In school 鈥減oor Johnny is so quiet, he needs to come out of his shell.鈥� I want to scream 鈥淟eave him alone鈥�..he鈥檚 FINE, he likes his shell!鈥� School rooms now do this Pod thing where they pull four desks together and make these poor kids work as a team. WTF? No way would have that 鈥渃oncept鈥� worked for me and it鈥檚 not working for introverted kids.
鈥淭here鈥檚 no I in team鈥� and that is a damn dirty shame.
I haven鈥檛 worked in an office setting in years, so when I read in this book that office places are arranging offices areas with an open concept, everybody face to face with no walls. Workers going about their day, shooting the shit, getting ideas鈥︹€rainstorming (which doesn't work). Who in the hell thought that one up? What a nightmare. What if I only tolerate a certain co-worker鈥︹€ow I have to stare at his annoying face all day, every day? How is anything ever accomplished?
Companies are beginning to realize this mistake and are changing things up. Google (I think it was them) designed their offices with food, bathrooms and the like all in the center, like a town center, with offices around the edges. It is designed for casual meetings where ideas everyone figured out in their quiet offices are shared and expanded.
Introverts are a third to half of the population. Many of these don鈥檛 even know they are introverted, because of the push to be extroverted has made them fool themselves into thinking they were extroverts.
Another interesting thing I learned from this book is that extroverts are motivated by rewards. They work toward things, and take risks if need be to get to the goal of getting that reward. Extroverts are soooo happy when they get the reward.
Introverts are motivated by fear. So they do things more cautiously, careful not to mess things up in the process of getting to a goal. That sounds like me. It鈥檚 doesn't sound cool that I am afraid to F things up, but I am.
This book is interesting, whether you are an I or an E. Because if you鈥檙e not an introvert, odds are you know and love one.
Also posted at
My spiel went something like this鈥︹€�.
Me: 鈥淗i. What ballot can I get for you today?鈥�
Voter: 鈥淯h鈥︹€�.what do you mean?鈥�
Me: 鈥淭oday we have, Democratic, Republican, Libertarian or Green (I have never given out the last two)鈥�.
Voter: 鈥淲hat鈥檚 a Green party?鈥�
Me: 鈥淚鈥檓 not sure, but there is next to nothing on their ballot.鈥�
Voter: 鈥淚鈥檓 and independent (code for embarrassed Republican) can鈥檛 I have both a Democratic AND Republican ballot?鈥�
Me: 鈥淣o, you must declare one and you will be that party until the next primary. Ohio is a closed primary state.鈥�
Voter: 鈥淯h鈥�.then give me a *whispers* a Democrat one.鈥�
Me: *loudly* 鈥淒emocratic it is! Take all this to a table and vote, when you are done bring everything back to Rosemary in the red sweater by that machine. Make sure to tear off the stub on the bottom of the ballot鈥︹€�.the one that is marked 鈥渄o not detach鈥� when you come up to the machine. If you don鈥檛, you will make Rosemary angry (a very sweet and very old woman) and you won鈥檛 like her when she鈥檚 angry. She will cover you in I Voted stickers.鈥�
This resulted in lots of chuckles, but I did it 301 times. I was drained. I slept for 12 hours that night. Twelve. Grant it, I got up at stupid O 鈥榗lock to get to the polls by 6 am and maybe had 4 hours of sleep, but I was just a shell my former self. I am an introvert.
Introverts and extroverts are most easily determined by how their energy is drained and how it is refreshed. Extroverts are drained when they have spent too much time alone, and the opposite is true for introverts. So for me, my life force was gone.
In the United States our culture is biased towards the extrovert. We are about the loudness, the out there, the utter insanity if you will. In school 鈥減oor Johnny is so quiet, he needs to come out of his shell.鈥� I want to scream 鈥淟eave him alone鈥�..he鈥檚 FINE, he likes his shell!鈥� School rooms now do this Pod thing where they pull four desks together and make these poor kids work as a team. WTF? No way would have that 鈥渃oncept鈥� worked for me and it鈥檚 not working for introverted kids.
鈥淭here鈥檚 no I in team鈥� and that is a damn dirty shame.
I haven鈥檛 worked in an office setting in years, so when I read in this book that office places are arranging offices areas with an open concept, everybody face to face with no walls. Workers going about their day, shooting the shit, getting ideas鈥︹€rainstorming (which doesn't work). Who in the hell thought that one up? What a nightmare. What if I only tolerate a certain co-worker鈥︹€ow I have to stare at his annoying face all day, every day? How is anything ever accomplished?
Companies are beginning to realize this mistake and are changing things up. Google (I think it was them) designed their offices with food, bathrooms and the like all in the center, like a town center, with offices around the edges. It is designed for casual meetings where ideas everyone figured out in their quiet offices are shared and expanded.
Introverts are a third to half of the population. Many of these don鈥檛 even know they are introverted, because of the push to be extroverted has made them fool themselves into thinking they were extroverts.
Another interesting thing I learned from this book is that extroverts are motivated by rewards. They work toward things, and take risks if need be to get to the goal of getting that reward. Extroverts are soooo happy when they get the reward.
Introverts are motivated by fear. So they do things more cautiously, careful not to mess things up in the process of getting to a goal. That sounds like me. It鈥檚 doesn't sound cool that I am afraid to F things up, but I am.
This book is interesting, whether you are an I or an E. Because if you鈥檙e not an introvert, odds are you know and love one.
Also posted at
March 19, 2025
Susan Crain is that Rare Oddity: A SILENT Democrat in a Red, Trump State! Follow her on Substack鈥�
If you鈥檙e a member of 欧宝娱乐, chances are pretty good that you鈥檙e a bit of an Introvert too.
Nothing wrong with that, cause you probably see and feel - intuitively - things that most extroverts can鈥檛 see or hear.
This book will let you know that we Introverts are INVALUABLE in an extroverted world: Places like the business world where our insights are KEY to responsible decision-making.
Extroverts shoot from the hip (watch out - they use Real bullets!) but often Shoot Off their Mouths, as well.
We can give balance, discretion and Wisdom (that鈥檚 Key) to their choices - cause often, they鈥檙e the senior managers we report to.
I once had an extremely affable team player as a boss. He took the flak for us middle managers when they vented their ire.
Alas - he eventually cracked under their brute force and left our organization.
I am happy to report that he ended up using his affable wisdom as a personal investment counsellor. I KNEW he had it in him to succeed. God bless him.
He was a 鈥渨in/win solution鈥� sort of mediator. A dove who just drowned in a shark-infested pool.
But towards the middle of his career, he imparted a VERY wise aper莽u about my taking the flak from the 鈥榮harks鈥� lying down: for he simply said, 鈥淔ergus, you鈥檙e the Little Dutch Boy with his finger in the Dike!鈥�
Remember that story?
Sure you do! I was Afraid of my own Shadow.
They were the best words I could have heard back then, and they echoed in my mind for years afterward.
And their moral?
We introverts Must Own our Shadows!
As an affable, insightful contributor to a brash bunch of extroverts鈥� decision-making.
My wonderful boss ALIENATED his shadows.
Don鈥檛 let that happen.
KNOW YOURSELF...
Be Fair, Firm and above all, FRIENDLY...
And then, GO FOR IT.
Don鈥檛 Wimp Out, like I did back then, cause...
Baby, you鈥檝e GOT WHAT IT TAKES - RIGHT THERE - INSIDE OF YOURSELF!!!
If you鈥檙e a member of 欧宝娱乐, chances are pretty good that you鈥檙e a bit of an Introvert too.
Nothing wrong with that, cause you probably see and feel - intuitively - things that most extroverts can鈥檛 see or hear.
This book will let you know that we Introverts are INVALUABLE in an extroverted world: Places like the business world where our insights are KEY to responsible decision-making.
Extroverts shoot from the hip (watch out - they use Real bullets!) but often Shoot Off their Mouths, as well.
We can give balance, discretion and Wisdom (that鈥檚 Key) to their choices - cause often, they鈥檙e the senior managers we report to.
I once had an extremely affable team player as a boss. He took the flak for us middle managers when they vented their ire.
Alas - he eventually cracked under their brute force and left our organization.
I am happy to report that he ended up using his affable wisdom as a personal investment counsellor. I KNEW he had it in him to succeed. God bless him.
He was a 鈥渨in/win solution鈥� sort of mediator. A dove who just drowned in a shark-infested pool.
But towards the middle of his career, he imparted a VERY wise aper莽u about my taking the flak from the 鈥榮harks鈥� lying down: for he simply said, 鈥淔ergus, you鈥檙e the Little Dutch Boy with his finger in the Dike!鈥�
Remember that story?
Sure you do! I was Afraid of my own Shadow.
They were the best words I could have heard back then, and they echoed in my mind for years afterward.
And their moral?
We introverts Must Own our Shadows!
As an affable, insightful contributor to a brash bunch of extroverts鈥� decision-making.
My wonderful boss ALIENATED his shadows.
Don鈥檛 let that happen.
KNOW YOURSELF...
Be Fair, Firm and above all, FRIENDLY...
And then, GO FOR IT.
Don鈥檛 Wimp Out, like I did back then, cause...
Baby, you鈥檝e GOT WHAT IT TAKES - RIGHT THERE - INSIDE OF YOURSELF!!!
October 21, 2020
I am an introvert and PROUD!
I am sure this is not totally surprising considering my huge love of books and writing. I am also sure many users (if not most of us) are introverts here on 欧宝娱乐. And Susan Cain is one of us and she celebrates it.
This is a book about our strengths, and our weaknesses; it is a book about realising that although we do not fit the ideal model for success, we can still be dramatically successful given the right circumstances and a chance to shine. We are the creative thinkers and the critics. We are the over analysers. We are those that prefer to retire to the inner-workings of our own world when we鈥檝e had enough of people and society. We are those that would rather think than talk. And that is our greatest weapon.
鈥淭here's zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.鈥�
I am going to talk a little bit about me and my own experience. I have done jobs that are characteristically more suited to extroverts. For many years I worked as a theatre front of house manager, overseeing large teams in an extremely busy entertainment venue. I also worked as a running-shoe salesman in a top-end sports shop offering great customer service and advice. What made me effective in such roles was my ability to keep a level head and analyse the situations I was in and then make the best response after thinking things through. I lead from the back. My approach to management was always subtle, but it worked.
My point is, and Susan Cain鈥檚 point is, we can do all the same things extroverts can do. We will just do them a little bit differently. She does not say that introverts are better people. She does not say that the extrovert ideal is necessarily wrong. What she advocates for is another side of the story, another ideal and another type of person who can use what they have to their own advantage once they understand their worth.
鈥淒on't think of introversion as something that needs to be cured.鈥�
And this is so important to understand. We need to embrace our introvert nature because it makes us unique and more in control of our thoughts and emotions. I truly wish I understood this simple fact at a younger age because I spent many years miserable as a teen because my personality did not compute with what was considered ideal.
So, this is an excellent book and I feel that it will be of immense use to many people, not just introverts. In order to succeed as a species, we need to recognise 鈥� and celebrate 鈥� the simple fact that we are all uniquely different.
Some of the most brilliant of people have been introverts
___________________________________
You can connect with me on social media via
__________________________________
I am sure this is not totally surprising considering my huge love of books and writing. I am also sure many users (if not most of us) are introverts here on 欧宝娱乐. And Susan Cain is one of us and she celebrates it.
This is a book about our strengths, and our weaknesses; it is a book about realising that although we do not fit the ideal model for success, we can still be dramatically successful given the right circumstances and a chance to shine. We are the creative thinkers and the critics. We are the over analysers. We are those that prefer to retire to the inner-workings of our own world when we鈥檝e had enough of people and society. We are those that would rather think than talk. And that is our greatest weapon.
鈥淭here's zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.鈥�
I am going to talk a little bit about me and my own experience. I have done jobs that are characteristically more suited to extroverts. For many years I worked as a theatre front of house manager, overseeing large teams in an extremely busy entertainment venue. I also worked as a running-shoe salesman in a top-end sports shop offering great customer service and advice. What made me effective in such roles was my ability to keep a level head and analyse the situations I was in and then make the best response after thinking things through. I lead from the back. My approach to management was always subtle, but it worked.
My point is, and Susan Cain鈥檚 point is, we can do all the same things extroverts can do. We will just do them a little bit differently. She does not say that introverts are better people. She does not say that the extrovert ideal is necessarily wrong. What she advocates for is another side of the story, another ideal and another type of person who can use what they have to their own advantage once they understand their worth.
鈥淒on't think of introversion as something that needs to be cured.鈥�
And this is so important to understand. We need to embrace our introvert nature because it makes us unique and more in control of our thoughts and emotions. I truly wish I understood this simple fact at a younger age because I spent many years miserable as a teen because my personality did not compute with what was considered ideal.
So, this is an excellent book and I feel that it will be of immense use to many people, not just introverts. In order to succeed as a species, we need to recognise 鈥� and celebrate 鈥� the simple fact that we are all uniquely different.
Some of the most brilliant of people have been introverts
___________________________________
You can connect with me on social media via
__________________________________
May 31, 2018
[Original review, Dec 29 2016]
This book, which I had had recommended to me by many friends both on 欧宝娱乐 and in real life, says plenty of useful and worthwhile things. Using the words not quite in the sense common among academic psychologists, Susan Cain distinguishes between "extroverts", whom she characterizes as loud, thick-skinned people who prioritise social interaction, assertiveness and gregariousness, and "introverts", quiet, thin-skinned people who prioritise sensitivity, harmony and understanding. She points out that a third to a half of all people are introverts; though many of them have learned how to masquerade successfully as extroverts, since American society encourages extrovert behavior to the point where many introverts feel there is something wrong with them. Why do they prefer to sit and read a book when they could be out making useful business contacts? Cain give reasons to believe that the difference between introversion and extroversion may well be related to underlying brain physiology, and hence beyond the individual's control. But more importantly, she argues that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being introverted. Society needs sensitive, risk-shy introverts just as much as it needs brash, risk-tolerant extroverts. In fact, it may need them more.
I find most of the above plausible, though I don't know enough about neurophysiology to be able to say how solid those parts are. What disquiets me most is that the book needed to be written in the first place. It seems to me to say more about modern American society than it does about the differences between introverts and extroverts. As Cain says, many societies - she particularly singles out Asian societies - do not place the same premium on extroverted behavior. If you're an Asian teen, it's regarded as normal to spend your time studying rather than partying. The same is true, though to a lesser extent, of many European societies.
Cain's approach is gentle and indirect, but she certainly succeeds in showing how grotesquely skewed the US has become. When a member of an evangelical church says he is only interested in recruiting extroverted people and adds that he's sure Jesus was extroverted, I can't help feeling that something has gone horribly wrong. Even more memorably and presciently (the book was published in 2012), Cain asks at one point how America could have got the idea that the ideal personality type is that of a successful real estate salesman.
How indeed?
___________________
[Update, May 31 2018]
A remarkable passage I just read in Gwendolyn Seidman's widely cited paper "Self-presentation and belonging on Facebook: How personality influences social media use and motivations" (2012):
This book, which I had had recommended to me by many friends both on 欧宝娱乐 and in real life, says plenty of useful and worthwhile things. Using the words not quite in the sense common among academic psychologists, Susan Cain distinguishes between "extroverts", whom she characterizes as loud, thick-skinned people who prioritise social interaction, assertiveness and gregariousness, and "introverts", quiet, thin-skinned people who prioritise sensitivity, harmony and understanding. She points out that a third to a half of all people are introverts; though many of them have learned how to masquerade successfully as extroverts, since American society encourages extrovert behavior to the point where many introverts feel there is something wrong with them. Why do they prefer to sit and read a book when they could be out making useful business contacts? Cain give reasons to believe that the difference between introversion and extroversion may well be related to underlying brain physiology, and hence beyond the individual's control. But more importantly, she argues that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being introverted. Society needs sensitive, risk-shy introverts just as much as it needs brash, risk-tolerant extroverts. In fact, it may need them more.
I find most of the above plausible, though I don't know enough about neurophysiology to be able to say how solid those parts are. What disquiets me most is that the book needed to be written in the first place. It seems to me to say more about modern American society than it does about the differences between introverts and extroverts. As Cain says, many societies - she particularly singles out Asian societies - do not place the same premium on extroverted behavior. If you're an Asian teen, it's regarded as normal to spend your time studying rather than partying. The same is true, though to a lesser extent, of many European societies.
Cain's approach is gentle and indirect, but she certainly succeeds in showing how grotesquely skewed the US has become. When a member of an evangelical church says he is only interested in recruiting extroverted people and adds that he's sure Jesus was extroverted, I can't help feeling that something has gone horribly wrong. Even more memorably and presciently (the book was published in 2012), Cain asks at one point how America could have got the idea that the ideal personality type is that of a successful real estate salesman.
How indeed?
___________________
[Update, May 31 2018]
A remarkable passage I just read in Gwendolyn Seidman's widely cited paper "Self-presentation and belonging on Facebook: How personality influences social media use and motivations" (2012):
Extraversion is related to several belongingness-related constructs. Extraverts have more friends, higher quality friendships (Asendorpf & Wilpers, 1998) and more satisfying romantic relationships than introverts (White, Hendrick, & Hendrick, 2004). Thus, it is unsurprising that extraversion is associated with greater Facebook use (Gosling, Augustine, Vazire, Holtzman, & Gaddis, 2011; Wilson, Fornasier, & White, 2010) and more friends (Amichai-Hamburger & Vinitzky, 2010; Moore & McElroy, 2012; Ryan & Xenos, 2011).
November 21, 2020
賰鬲丕亘 乇丕卅毓 賷噩賷亘 毓賳 賰孬賷乇 賲賳 丕賱兀爻卅賱丞 丕賱鬲賷 鬲丿賵乇 賮賷 匕賴賳賷
June 17, 2023
This is one of those books you may like while reading it if you are an introvert and will give it 4 of 5 stars if you review it soon after finishing it. But if you sit back and think about what the author wrote, you may have a totally different opinion.
I came to know about Susan Cain many years ago from her Ted talk about the power of introverts. A couple of weeks ago, I bought the latest book by the author called . I finally picked up this book, so I can read the latest book after finishing this book, even though both are unrelated. After completing this book, I am now confused about whether to read her latest book.
This book starts by discussing about the advantage of extroverts. The author then shifted gears to discuss the benefit of introverts which in turn, unfortunately, landed in those gray areas of lambasting extroverts both directly and indirectly.
I felt the author was confused between introverts, mood disorders, and personality disorders in some areas. That is clearly reflected in the words she tries to explain about introverts. In some areas, she tried to mention some general topics that were not at all needed for a book about introverts, making it a poorly written self-help book in those parts. The author's lack of scientific knowledge regarding what she is trying to discuss is also reflected in multiple places in this book.
It is true that there are some good quotes in this book. The topic the author chose to discuss and even the title of the book was great. Still, I have to say that this is a poorly written, poorly edited, overrated book.
鈥斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌斺赌�
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July 1, 2019
Very interesting non-fiction about introverts.
Definitely could relate with a lot that was said and loved learning more about the advantages of it and how to deal with being an introvert!
Definitely could relate with a lot that was said and loved learning more about the advantages of it and how to deal with being an introvert!
September 27, 2016
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking is about being an introvert in today's society.
Confession time: I'm a tremendous introvert. I know you're all thinking something along the lines of "What? A guy who reads constantly and writes over a hundred book reviews a year is an introvert?" Shocking but true. I could easily go days without human contact. At parties, I'm the guy hanging out near the food or snooping through the host's books or medicine cabinet. I could go into more detail but since I have a feeling most Goodreaders are also introverts, I'll skip it.
Basically, the book is a flashing neon sign that says it's okay to be an introvert. Susan Cain chronicles her own struggles as an introvert, as well as showing how America went from being about character to about personality, right around the time movies and TV started getting popular. It covers introverts in all areas, like corporate America, and how introverts are treated in other societies. There's a lengthy section on raising introvert kids, which a lot of parents could use instead of shoving their kids into the shark-infested extrovert waters.
Honestly, I could have used this book as a teenager, when people were constantly badgering me to go out more. Scientific discoveries and works of art are rarely made by people who are constantly talking. Cain covers topics like being an introvert in the business world, where people who talk the loudest get their way more often than not, something I see every day in cubeland.
Actually, the book gave me insight into the behavior of some of my family. Until he retired, my dad was crabbier than Red Foreman all the time. I used to think he was just an angry asshole but now I think he was an introvert with nowhere to unwind. Now that he's retired, I see how much alike we are. He's actually pretty friendly as long as the visits don't go too long.
Susan Cain's writing style is engaging. I felt the repeated examples may have padded the book a bit.
While I felt validated by reading it, sometimes it felt like a book a kid named Matthew, who happened to be missing a finger, wrote about how nine-fingered Matthews are the best at everything. I liked it but most of what Cain says seemed pretty obvious. There are no mind-blowing revelations for introverts within. I do recommend extroverts read it, however. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Confession time: I'm a tremendous introvert. I know you're all thinking something along the lines of "What? A guy who reads constantly and writes over a hundred book reviews a year is an introvert?" Shocking but true. I could easily go days without human contact. At parties, I'm the guy hanging out near the food or snooping through the host's books or medicine cabinet. I could go into more detail but since I have a feeling most Goodreaders are also introverts, I'll skip it.
Basically, the book is a flashing neon sign that says it's okay to be an introvert. Susan Cain chronicles her own struggles as an introvert, as well as showing how America went from being about character to about personality, right around the time movies and TV started getting popular. It covers introverts in all areas, like corporate America, and how introverts are treated in other societies. There's a lengthy section on raising introvert kids, which a lot of parents could use instead of shoving their kids into the shark-infested extrovert waters.
Honestly, I could have used this book as a teenager, when people were constantly badgering me to go out more. Scientific discoveries and works of art are rarely made by people who are constantly talking. Cain covers topics like being an introvert in the business world, where people who talk the loudest get their way more often than not, something I see every day in cubeland.
Actually, the book gave me insight into the behavior of some of my family. Until he retired, my dad was crabbier than Red Foreman all the time. I used to think he was just an angry asshole but now I think he was an introvert with nowhere to unwind. Now that he's retired, I see how much alike we are. He's actually pretty friendly as long as the visits don't go too long.
Susan Cain's writing style is engaging. I felt the repeated examples may have padded the book a bit.
While I felt validated by reading it, sometimes it felt like a book a kid named Matthew, who happened to be missing a finger, wrote about how nine-fingered Matthews are the best at everything. I liked it but most of what Cain says seemed pretty obvious. There are no mind-blowing revelations for introverts within. I do recommend extroverts read it, however. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
April 17, 2015
What an affirmation! While listening to this book, I was constantly reminded of Al Franken鈥檚 Saturday Night Live character, Stuart Smalley, and his mantra, 鈥淚鈥檓 good enough, I鈥檓 smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.鈥� Well, those who understand me do. Full disclosure, according to the Myers-Briggs Personality Test, I鈥檓 an .
There were so many points of affirmation for me鈥攖hings I intuitively knew. Things I鈥檝e tried to share with others mostly to no avail. This book supplies all the data I need to support my case. Unfortunately, I don鈥檛 think the people who need to read/listen this book (extroverts) will.
The book is not an 鈥渋ntroverts are superior鈥� diatribe but rather an explanation of how we can leverage personality types most effectively. There is no right or best personality type but like life in general, we need to understand each other for more harmonious relationships. Whether these relationships are family, work, or social, applications of understanding are documented throughout the book.
There was one example in the book that hit particularly close to home. Although SAT or IQ scores do not support it, people who talk more are perceived as leaders. And, which personality type talks more? Extroverts. Now, assume that both extroverts and introverts have an equal amount of good ideas. Who is going to get their way more? Extroverts. This could be dangerous because they鈥檙e going to get their way more meaning that many of their bad ideas are also going to be implemented.
Oh, another thing I intuitively knew but now have support for is brainstorming sessions. Studies show the larger the number of people involved in a session, the less effective they are. A 9-member group is less effective than a 6-member group which is less than effective than a 4-member group which is less effective than a 2-member group. The suggestion is to conduct brainstorming sessions electronically. Collect comments and then share them anonymously and build from there. One of the reasons is that most introverts are better writers than speakers.
Other examples from the business world give tips for how both introverted and extroverted leaders can best work with their subordinates of each type. Take advantage of each of their strengths. Such as how studies show that introverts 鈥渋nspect鈥� and extroverts 鈥渞eact鈥�. Neither adjective should be taken as derogatory but instead as strengths. Allow introverts time to examine and solve. Studies show they are more persistent trying to solve unsolvable problems. The famous introvert, Albert Einstein said, 鈥淚t is not that I鈥檓 so smart, it鈥檚 just that I stay with problems longer.鈥� My hero.
A final word on the narration鈥攆antastic. If you have the opportunity to listen rather than read this book, I would strongly recommend going with the audio format. Kathe Mazur does a perfect narration in a 鈥净耻颈别迟鈥�, calm, soothing voice. Very appropriate 鈥渋n a noisy world that can鈥檛 stop talking鈥�.
There were so many points of affirmation for me鈥攖hings I intuitively knew. Things I鈥檝e tried to share with others mostly to no avail. This book supplies all the data I need to support my case. Unfortunately, I don鈥檛 think the people who need to read/listen this book (extroverts) will.
The book is not an 鈥渋ntroverts are superior鈥� diatribe but rather an explanation of how we can leverage personality types most effectively. There is no right or best personality type but like life in general, we need to understand each other for more harmonious relationships. Whether these relationships are family, work, or social, applications of understanding are documented throughout the book.
There was one example in the book that hit particularly close to home. Although SAT or IQ scores do not support it, people who talk more are perceived as leaders. And, which personality type talks more? Extroverts. Now, assume that both extroverts and introverts have an equal amount of good ideas. Who is going to get their way more? Extroverts. This could be dangerous because they鈥檙e going to get their way more meaning that many of their bad ideas are also going to be implemented.
Oh, another thing I intuitively knew but now have support for is brainstorming sessions. Studies show the larger the number of people involved in a session, the less effective they are. A 9-member group is less effective than a 6-member group which is less than effective than a 4-member group which is less effective than a 2-member group. The suggestion is to conduct brainstorming sessions electronically. Collect comments and then share them anonymously and build from there. One of the reasons is that most introverts are better writers than speakers.
Other examples from the business world give tips for how both introverted and extroverted leaders can best work with their subordinates of each type. Take advantage of each of their strengths. Such as how studies show that introverts 鈥渋nspect鈥� and extroverts 鈥渞eact鈥�. Neither adjective should be taken as derogatory but instead as strengths. Allow introverts time to examine and solve. Studies show they are more persistent trying to solve unsolvable problems. The famous introvert, Albert Einstein said, 鈥淚t is not that I鈥檓 so smart, it鈥檚 just that I stay with problems longer.鈥� My hero.
A final word on the narration鈥攆antastic. If you have the opportunity to listen rather than read this book, I would strongly recommend going with the audio format. Kathe Mazur does a perfect narration in a 鈥净耻颈别迟鈥�, calm, soothing voice. Very appropriate 鈥渋n a noisy world that can鈥檛 stop talking鈥�.
May 24, 2013
As you can see, i've been mixing up my reading lately, THIS ISN'T ROMANCE YAY!
Quiet is a fascinating book about the prejudice that our society faces against introverts, and why it's unfounded, and how, as an introvert, you can overcome that, as well as just KNOW yourself better. I never really classified myself as such before, but reading this, I understand why, if I'm exhausted, all I want to be is alone, and how I'm extroverted only when I can control my environment and how that's a THING! If you're shy or are unsure, this is a great read. I think you'll discover something about yourself, that's why I've recommended to a lot of people lately!
Quiet is a fascinating book about the prejudice that our society faces against introverts, and why it's unfounded, and how, as an introvert, you can overcome that, as well as just KNOW yourself better. I never really classified myself as such before, but reading this, I understand why, if I'm exhausted, all I want to be is alone, and how I'm extroverted only when I can control my environment and how that's a THING! If you're shy or are unsure, this is a great read. I think you'll discover something about yourself, that's why I've recommended to a lot of people lately!
March 1, 2018
Shhh, I'm taking some quiet time.
Kidding! I'll be honest. I avoided this book the first time it appeared, when the buzz had it popping up all over. But my introversion has been more than a bit disrespected lately and I was feeling a need for some affirmation. Alas, I'm not sure I found much helpful here.
Part One is 'The Extrovert Ideal,' and looks at how the change from the 18th century ideal of personality to 20th century cult of personality emphasized extroversion as a valuable workplace trait. I liked the concept of the two, as the cultural evolution from one to the other makes a great deal of sense, but I'm not sure how accurate that may be. I feel like Americans--and perhaps everyone--has always been responsive to extroverted, charismatic people. Actually, that highlights an error in Cain's thinking, that she frequently conflates traits. To give her credit, she admits from the beginning that there is no uniform definition of 'introversion.' At page 11, she finally defines her terms, but she unfortunately tends to define them in terms of examples:
"Still, today's psychologist tend to agree on several important points: for example, that introverts and extroverts differ in the level of outside stimulation that they need to function well. Introverts feel 'just right' with less stimulation, as when they sip wine with a close friend, solve a crossword puzzle, or read a book. Extroverts enjoy the extra bang that comes from activities like meeting new people, skiing slippery slopes, and cranking up the stereo.... Many psychologists would also agree that introverts and extroverts work differently. Extroverts tend to tackle assignments quickly. They make fast (sometimes rash) decisions, and are comfortable multitasking and risk-taking... Introverts often work more slowly and deliberately. They like to focus on one task at a time and can have mighty powers of concentration. They're relatively immune to the lures of wealth and fame."
It's some slippery stuff, because she ends up conflating a number of characteristics, and that's where it can get really fuzzy. This lack of specificity also means relying on anecdotes of how introversion is a helpful trait. Later in the book, she does bring in studies about 'reactivity,' a genetic-based trait that she prefers to call, 'sensitivity.' I've seen the term before, in , and a lot of it comes from research on reactiveness/responsiveness to stimulation and how that is then interpreted. To be sure, it's interesting stuff, but it doesn't necessarily apply to all introverts, as she points out, "about 70% of sensitive people are [introverts]" (page 145).
After backtracking to explain the evolutionary basis for selection of sensitivity, she then attempts to tie sensitivity and conscientiousness together. It's a thin, tenuous line to get from introverted to evolutionary sensitivity to conscientiousness and then imply that that's the kind of person you want in your company. As singular issues, each of these is well-presented. She usually cites one researcher and gives an example of a famous person who changed the world with this trait (Eleanor Roosevelt represented the introverted, sensitive and conscientious person). But it feels like both sloppy logic and false aggrandizement. As an introvert, I no more want to be 'special' for these qualities that presumably go with my genetic and personality tendencies than I want to be disrespected.
For no particularly good reason, except the fact that it described me better than I've ever been described before, I'm actually a fan of the Jungian-based personality assessment. I think I particularly responded to the Jungian analysis because rather than the two-axis basis, there's other traits that also affect how we interact with the world. I actually think there's quite a continuum between introversion and extroversion, and that these tendencies can be modified by learning, as Cain rightly points out in Section Two.
So, about Quiet. I don't think it really added anything to my understanding on introversion and extroversion. In fact, I think it fell into a more extroverted (as she would say) analysis of having to prove the worth of the trait and using famous figures to support her examples only added to that perception.
Quiet didn't give me the acknowledgement I was looking for, really, just a lot of cheerleading that I'm (still) a good person for being an introvert. Hopefully, for those new to discovering their introversion, this might encourage them to both understand and respect their approach. Just don't look for many tips.
Read this book if:
1) You suspect/know you are an introvert but feel badly about it
2) You are an extrovert who doesn't get why introverts don't just get out more.
For a more rigorous analysis, check out Kelly's review:
/review/show...
Kidding! I'll be honest. I avoided this book the first time it appeared, when the buzz had it popping up all over. But my introversion has been more than a bit disrespected lately and I was feeling a need for some affirmation. Alas, I'm not sure I found much helpful here.
Part One is 'The Extrovert Ideal,' and looks at how the change from the 18th century ideal of personality to 20th century cult of personality emphasized extroversion as a valuable workplace trait. I liked the concept of the two, as the cultural evolution from one to the other makes a great deal of sense, but I'm not sure how accurate that may be. I feel like Americans--and perhaps everyone--has always been responsive to extroverted, charismatic people. Actually, that highlights an error in Cain's thinking, that she frequently conflates traits. To give her credit, she admits from the beginning that there is no uniform definition of 'introversion.' At page 11, she finally defines her terms, but she unfortunately tends to define them in terms of examples:
"Still, today's psychologist tend to agree on several important points: for example, that introverts and extroverts differ in the level of outside stimulation that they need to function well. Introverts feel 'just right' with less stimulation, as when they sip wine with a close friend, solve a crossword puzzle, or read a book. Extroverts enjoy the extra bang that comes from activities like meeting new people, skiing slippery slopes, and cranking up the stereo.... Many psychologists would also agree that introverts and extroverts work differently. Extroverts tend to tackle assignments quickly. They make fast (sometimes rash) decisions, and are comfortable multitasking and risk-taking... Introverts often work more slowly and deliberately. They like to focus on one task at a time and can have mighty powers of concentration. They're relatively immune to the lures of wealth and fame."
It's some slippery stuff, because she ends up conflating a number of characteristics, and that's where it can get really fuzzy. This lack of specificity also means relying on anecdotes of how introversion is a helpful trait. Later in the book, she does bring in studies about 'reactivity,' a genetic-based trait that she prefers to call, 'sensitivity.' I've seen the term before, in , and a lot of it comes from research on reactiveness/responsiveness to stimulation and how that is then interpreted. To be sure, it's interesting stuff, but it doesn't necessarily apply to all introverts, as she points out, "about 70% of sensitive people are [introverts]" (page 145).
After backtracking to explain the evolutionary basis for selection of sensitivity, she then attempts to tie sensitivity and conscientiousness together. It's a thin, tenuous line to get from introverted to evolutionary sensitivity to conscientiousness and then imply that that's the kind of person you want in your company. As singular issues, each of these is well-presented. She usually cites one researcher and gives an example of a famous person who changed the world with this trait (Eleanor Roosevelt represented the introverted, sensitive and conscientious person). But it feels like both sloppy logic and false aggrandizement. As an introvert, I no more want to be 'special' for these qualities that presumably go with my genetic and personality tendencies than I want to be disrespected.
For no particularly good reason, except the fact that it described me better than I've ever been described before, I'm actually a fan of the Jungian-based personality assessment. I think I particularly responded to the Jungian analysis because rather than the two-axis basis, there's other traits that also affect how we interact with the world. I actually think there's quite a continuum between introversion and extroversion, and that these tendencies can be modified by learning, as Cain rightly points out in Section Two.
So, about Quiet. I don't think it really added anything to my understanding on introversion and extroversion. In fact, I think it fell into a more extroverted (as she would say) analysis of having to prove the worth of the trait and using famous figures to support her examples only added to that perception.
Quiet didn't give me the acknowledgement I was looking for, really, just a lot of cheerleading that I'm (still) a good person for being an introvert. Hopefully, for those new to discovering their introversion, this might encourage them to both understand and respect their approach. Just don't look for many tips.
Read this book if:
1) You suspect/know you are an introvert but feel badly about it
2) You are an extrovert who doesn't get why introverts don't just get out more.
For a more rigorous analysis, check out Kelly's review:
/review/show...
July 31, 2013
You can also read this review on
This is a bit different from what I typically read and review. I don't often read non-fiction, but when my mom got this out of the library and I read the inside flap, I knew I would have to give it a shot. It sounded like something I could relate to and possibly benefit from 鈥� and it was. As soon as I started it, I was totally engrossed. And as I made my way through the entire thing, I felt like I was learning more and more about myself.
My whole life I've been an introvert. I keep to myself more than the people around me do. I tend to prefer reading/writing to partying. I'm very self-conscious about speaking; when I talk in front of a bunch of unfamiliar people, I stumble over my words and blush and feel like a moron 鈥� hence, I usually opt not to speak at all unless someone forces me to and/or speaks to me first.
I've grown used to labels like "shy" and "quiet," to the rude questions like "Can you talk?", "Do you speak English?", and "Have you been in this class the whole year?" The confrontations and notes from teachers/professors are expected by now. "You need to speak up more in class," "Don't be shy!" etc.
Just thinking about it right now makes me want to punch a wall. People act as if it's some magical switch I can turn on and off. They think I don't talk much because I'm incompetent, because I'm lazy, because I'm a bitch, because I think I'm better than everyone else. People who know me well can see I'm none of those things (at least, I hope I'm not), but for a lot of people it seems to be a challenge to understand that. It's not that I blame them, because I think it's hard to comprehend what it's like to be an introvert if you haven't experienced it yourself. But still, it's frustrating.
What makes being an introvert so hard is that鈥撯€揺specially in the US鈥撯€搘e are held up to what Susan Cain calls the "Extrovert Ideal." That is, we are told our whole lives that the "ideal" person is an extrovert鈥撯€搊utgoing, confident, well-spoken, etc. Extroverted people are thought of as being more important, more authoritative, and more attractive. If you are a shy, you are more likely to be seen as weak, a pushover, a bad leader, an awkward/unattractive person. We're constantly told that in order to succeed, we need to stand up for ourselves, push others out of the way, be the loudest, take the most risks. If you're a shy/introverted person, you are constantly told that you need to change鈥撯€搕hat if you continue to be quiet, you're never going to get anywhere in life. You won't get a good job, you won't succeed, no one will want to date you ... you name it.
Needless to say, I hate being shy. I'm tired of always being told that I need to speak up more, that I just have to be more confident. It's like, do you think I want to be this way? Do you think I enjoy not being able to say what I want to say, that I feel totally idiotic every time I open my mouth, that I don't even want people to look at me because I'm so self-conscious? Trust me, if I could, I would be more confident. If I could just shut off all the thoughts in my head, I would gladly speak up more often.
But I've always felt like my brain just wasn't wired that way. People act as if it's as easy as just speaking up, that the leap from being introverted to being extraverted is as easy as, "You know what? I'm just not going to be shy today! Yay!"
And 鈥� yeah. It's not like that at all. It's like, when I'm surrounded by people I don't (or only barely) know, I just go on lockdown. My mind doesn't generate things to say. My mouth refuses to open. I just completely freeze up. And it's not that I don't want to participate in the conversation. I wish talking was easy for me. I do want to contribute. Yet, there's this voice in my head telling me to not say anything, and to just sit back and observe.
So, obviously, this is a very frustrating trait to have. It holds me back in a lot of social situations. I have trouble making friends (although I do have friends, so don't worry). I've managed to live for two decades without ever having a boyfriend. My grades have suffered. So on and so forth.
I've struggled with this my whole life, I constantly beat myself up about it 鈥� I've always wondered what the hell was wrong with me. Why couldn't I just magically gain some confidence? Why couldn't I just suck it up and be a more social person?
I've spent my whole life trying to find something to blame, some reason why I've always been like this. Is it because I'm part of a large family, and therefore I've always felt like I should just keep my problems to myself? Is it because I grew up in such an academically competitive town where there was too much pressure to be the star student?
Of course, there must be various contributing factors. But according to Cain's book, it may be due more to nature than to nurture than we may think.
Cain discusses several studies that relate introversion/extroversion to sensitivity. And apparently, people with more active amygdalae鈥撯€揳 part of the brain that plays a significant role in processing memory and emotional reactions鈥撯€揳re far more likely to be introverts. People fall roughly into two groups: "high reactive" and "low reactive." If you are a more high reactive individual, you are more likely to:
- React more strongly to stimuli鈥撯€搉ew sounds, meeting new people, seeing disturbing images, etc.
- Be more empathetic towards other people
- Be very observational, notice small details
- React more emotionally to artwork/music/books/etc.
- Be more prone to emotional problems like anxiety/depression
- Be very sensitive about what other people think of you, and therefore become timid in social situations where you don't know many people
This isn't to say, of course, that more low reactive people don't experience these things, it's just that it tends to happen on a lower scale for them because their amygdalae are not as sensitive. Also, high reactive does not automatically equal introverted and low reactive doesn't automatically equal extroverted, but research suggests a strong correlation between the two traits.
But what's most important to realize about levels of reactivity is that they can't be controlled. Cain discusses one study in which infants were tested for how reactive they were to stimuli鈥撯€揳nd a majority of high-reactive infants grew up to be introverts, while the low-reactive infants tended to grow up to be extroverts. It's studies such as these that suggest we don't choose introversion or extroversion; they are built into our DNA.
One can easily fake one or the other. That is, you can be an introvert and still speak a lot and socialize frequently鈥撯€搃t's just that, as an introvert, you will be more drained by social interaction. Because introverts are often more high-reactive individuals and therefore react more strongly to stimuli, a room of new faces is much more exhausting to process than it would be for someone who is more low-reactive.
I could go on and on about this, but of course鈥撯€搃f you want to learn more, I highly suggest reading this book. There's a lot of fascinating information about the subject.
Quiet seriously changed the way I think about myself. I still dislike being shy and introverted for many reasons. But after reading this, I also know that I might not have the same creative and observant traits that I have now, if I were extroverted instead. And more importantly, I know that it isn't my fault for being this way鈥撯€揳nd that millions of people face the same struggle that I do. I don't know if I can say that I really accept who I am, at least not yet. But at least I feel like I understand it a lot better.
Over all, I think this book is well-written and well-researched, and Cain narrates it with heart and humor鈥撯€揹rawing from her own experience as an introvert alongside her studies of the subject. I thought Quiet was brilliant, and I recommend it to introverts and extroverts alike.
~ ~
January 20, 2012
Thank you, Susan Cain, for writing this remarkable book! As an introvert who has always been regarded as not only quiet, but also timid and weak, this book is very refreshing. It puts into words what many introverts know intuitively; strength does not have to be loud, in your face, or aggressive. Strength and conviction can present themselves quietly without sacrificing effectiveness. Through impressive research, Ms. Cain clearly demonstrates the importance of both personality types and the value of introversion. I only wish that I could have read this book when I was younger so that I would have been more confident and accepting of my own nature. After reading it now, I do feel that I can better articulate the importance of my role in society and take pride in the contributions that introverts have made throughout history.
January 10, 2019
ive seen this book pop up on my feed quite a bit recently and, even though i read it years ago, i cant believe i never posted a review for it! better late than never. lol.
a quick google search will show that anywhere between 25-40% of the worlds population are introverts and i feel so proud to be considered part of such an outstanding group. this book didnt necessarily teach me anything i didnt already know about myself, but it was very neat to see how i can turn my introvertedness into a strength, especially when so many consider a more reserved nature to be a sign of weakness. and because i could relate to literally everything in this book, i have constantly returned to it from time to time over the years, revisiting marked pages, highlights, and notes i made when i first read it.
i found this is to be a very informative, eye-opening and thoroughly researched book. its a definite must read for all of my fellow introverts!!
鈫� 4 stars
a quick google search will show that anywhere between 25-40% of the worlds population are introverts and i feel so proud to be considered part of such an outstanding group. this book didnt necessarily teach me anything i didnt already know about myself, but it was very neat to see how i can turn my introvertedness into a strength, especially when so many consider a more reserved nature to be a sign of weakness. and because i could relate to literally everything in this book, i have constantly returned to it from time to time over the years, revisiting marked pages, highlights, and notes i made when i first read it.
i found this is to be a very informative, eye-opening and thoroughly researched book. its a definite must read for all of my fellow introverts!!
鈫� 4 stars
April 26, 2015
This book blew my mind. I loved it so much that I wish I could give a copy to all of my friends and relatives.
Susan Cain does an excellent job of explaining the different strengths between introverts and extroverts, and the history of how America came to idealize extroverts. I agree that as a society we tend to value the gregarious go-getters, the loud talkers, the forceful presenters.
But Cain's book reminds us that societies need introverts, too 鈥� the thinkers, the listeners, the people who look before leaping. The long, long, long list of introverts in history includes: Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, George Orwell, Marcel Proust, J. K. Rowling, Lewis Carroll, W. B. Yeats, Warren Buffet, Steve Wozniak, Charles Schultz, Al Gore, Rosa Parks, Gandhi...
As an introvert, I found the book comforting and inspiring. But extroverts who are in relationships with introverts or who are parents of an introvert would also do well to read this book. The author has good tips for how to handle introverts, especially children.
"Love is essential. Gregariousness is optional ... Use your natural powers -- of persistence, concentration, insight and sensitivity -- to do work you love and work that matters. Solve problems, make art, think deeply. Figure out what you are meant to contribute to the world and make sure you contribute it."
Update April 2015
I read this book about two years ago, and I think it has been the most influential book I've read in years. Cain's book profoundly changed how I viewed myself, others, and our various roles in society. I have recommended this book to numerous friends, and some of them commented on how grateful they were to have read it. I will add managers and supervisors to the list of people who I think should read this book, because it helps to explain some workplace and group dynamics. While the writing isn't perfect (I remember Cain meanders a bit), I'm leaving my rating at 5 stars because of how powerful and inspirational this book has been.
Susan Cain does an excellent job of explaining the different strengths between introverts and extroverts, and the history of how America came to idealize extroverts. I agree that as a society we tend to value the gregarious go-getters, the loud talkers, the forceful presenters.
But Cain's book reminds us that societies need introverts, too 鈥� the thinkers, the listeners, the people who look before leaping. The long, long, long list of introverts in history includes: Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, George Orwell, Marcel Proust, J. K. Rowling, Lewis Carroll, W. B. Yeats, Warren Buffet, Steve Wozniak, Charles Schultz, Al Gore, Rosa Parks, Gandhi...
As an introvert, I found the book comforting and inspiring. But extroverts who are in relationships with introverts or who are parents of an introvert would also do well to read this book. The author has good tips for how to handle introverts, especially children.
"Love is essential. Gregariousness is optional ... Use your natural powers -- of persistence, concentration, insight and sensitivity -- to do work you love and work that matters. Solve problems, make art, think deeply. Figure out what you are meant to contribute to the world and make sure you contribute it."
Update April 2015
I read this book about two years ago, and I think it has been the most influential book I've read in years. Cain's book profoundly changed how I viewed myself, others, and our various roles in society. I have recommended this book to numerous friends, and some of them commented on how grateful they were to have read it. I will add managers and supervisors to the list of people who I think should read this book, because it helps to explain some workplace and group dynamics. While the writing isn't perfect (I remember Cain meanders a bit), I'm leaving my rating at 5 stars because of how powerful and inspirational this book has been.
August 4, 2016
Once upon a time there was a woman who dreaded the staff meeting roundtable, when each person had to share what was good or bad or on their professional plate that week or in their personal life. All five, nine, fifteen pairs of eyes would be upon her as she forced her voice to carry down the table, knocking off as few words as she could to express, 鈥淓verything鈥檚 great!鈥� before turning her flushed face to the colleague beside her. This same woman could take the stage before an audience in the hundreds at a conference and deliver a speech with poise, loving every moment she was in the spotlight.
She鈥檇 spin around her shopping cart to avoid meeting an acquaintance in the produce department at the grocery store, then host a wine dinner that night for twenty strangers, her joy bubbling as much as the Champagne she poured, explaining to the assembled crowd the difference between m茅thode traditionelle and transfer method of production. She could spend hours waiting tables at a busy restaurant, engaging in happy grace and good humor with dozens of customers, but the thought of a Friday night party at a friend鈥檚, hanging out in a kitchen drinking beer with a few people from work? She鈥檇 feign a sudden flu or a last-minute family obligation to avoid hours of mindless chatter.
That I am an introvert is not news to me. I can鈥檛 recall when I first took the Myers-Briggs personality type test, but I should have INFJ tattooed on my forehead, for the results never waver. And at some point, I got the message that being an introvert doesn't mean I'm shy, for I am not; it doesn't mean I'm not a risk-taker, for I am, or that I don鈥檛 form deep personal attachments, for I have many. What it does mean, among many things, is that socializing wears me out. I abhor chitchat, loud people, group projects and 鈥済oing out.鈥� It means I love to lose myself in solitary endeavors. It means I love process, not reward.
It means I鈥檇 rather just sit and listen. And when I have something to say, please be patient. I鈥檓 not a fast talker, I pause a lot, searching for just the right word. And even then you鈥檒l probably have to strain to hear me. Unless I鈥檝e thoroughly rehearsed my responses, I鈥檒l never deliver my thoughts with articulate confidence.
There are parts of Susan Cain鈥檚 Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can鈥檛 Stop Talking that made me laugh, even as tears stung my eyes. Knowing that I prefer to be alone鈥攖hat I have little tolerance for casual social situations鈥攏ever released me from feeling that I needed to overcome my social awkwardness and impatience, my thin skin and tendency to fret about the future and things beyond my control. I thought these were faults, not characteristics of a personality type shared by millions, most of us existing in contemplative, considerate silence.
Through research, anecdotal interviews and personal experiences, Cain explores the ways introverted personalities manifest themselves in the workplace and personal relationships. The section on 鈥渉ighly-sensitive鈥� people struck home.
When Cain discusses her professional epiphany, I had another laugh/cry moment. Hers was realizing that she was never cut out to be a corporate lawyer; mine, a university and corporate administrator. There are many aspects of our professions in which we excelled, rising quickly through the ranks. But neither of us is cut out for committee work, for schmoozing and glad-handing, for blowing our own horn鈥攁ll required in legal circles, ivory towers and boardrooms. I loved the one-on-one time I spent counseling students, building relationships with individual faculty, developing administrative processes and procedures, doing research and yes, presenting at conferences and leading workshops, for which I rehearsed and prepared weeks in advance.
But I knew I鈥檇 never rise to the ranks of the one in charge; I simply wasn鈥檛 built for the social demands and networking required of a Director. So, for fifteen years I left job after job just at the pinnacle of power and success鈥攁lways the Bridesmaid, never the Bride. I never really knew why, except that something was inherently wrong with me.
At last, I accept nothing is wrong with me; denying myself the opportunity to advance was recognition that moving up meant moving into roles for which I was constitutionally not suited.
Now I am a writer. And a happy little clam. I work to create niches of social balance to avoid complete isolation鈥擨 belong to a book club, a writer鈥檚 group, I volunteer, meet friends for coffee. Social media is a great release for me, because I only talk when I want to, I have all the time in the world to construct my thoughts (which I can edit later!) and no one is looking at me as I speak. Quiet has given me permission not to regard my limited in-person social circle as evidence of a failure of personality, but as respect given to my true nature: 鈥淟ove is essential: gregariousness is optional.鈥�
In some ways, working through the theories and examples in this book is exhausting and dispiriting鈥攊f I鈥檇 had a better understanding of how I function best, would I have made different choices? Yet, the most important choices I鈥檝e made鈥攅xcelling at and loving parts of my profession that I鈥檓 built for and not being swayed by extrinsic rewards to pursue paths for which I am not; the dogged determination that puts me in front of a keyboard every day with few indications that I will be able to make a living doing what I love鈥擨鈥檝e stuck to my temperament. My life鈥檚 path hasn鈥檛 been without its stumbles, but even without knowing quite what makes me tick, I've been true to my nature. This is Cain鈥檚 consistent and loudest message, delivered with the gentle power of an introvert.
She鈥檇 spin around her shopping cart to avoid meeting an acquaintance in the produce department at the grocery store, then host a wine dinner that night for twenty strangers, her joy bubbling as much as the Champagne she poured, explaining to the assembled crowd the difference between m茅thode traditionelle and transfer method of production. She could spend hours waiting tables at a busy restaurant, engaging in happy grace and good humor with dozens of customers, but the thought of a Friday night party at a friend鈥檚, hanging out in a kitchen drinking beer with a few people from work? She鈥檇 feign a sudden flu or a last-minute family obligation to avoid hours of mindless chatter.
That I am an introvert is not news to me. I can鈥檛 recall when I first took the Myers-Briggs personality type test, but I should have INFJ tattooed on my forehead, for the results never waver. And at some point, I got the message that being an introvert doesn't mean I'm shy, for I am not; it doesn't mean I'm not a risk-taker, for I am, or that I don鈥檛 form deep personal attachments, for I have many. What it does mean, among many things, is that socializing wears me out. I abhor chitchat, loud people, group projects and 鈥済oing out.鈥� It means I love to lose myself in solitary endeavors. It means I love process, not reward.
It means I鈥檇 rather just sit and listen. And when I have something to say, please be patient. I鈥檓 not a fast talker, I pause a lot, searching for just the right word. And even then you鈥檒l probably have to strain to hear me. Unless I鈥檝e thoroughly rehearsed my responses, I鈥檒l never deliver my thoughts with articulate confidence.
There are parts of Susan Cain鈥檚 Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can鈥檛 Stop Talking that made me laugh, even as tears stung my eyes. Knowing that I prefer to be alone鈥攖hat I have little tolerance for casual social situations鈥攏ever released me from feeling that I needed to overcome my social awkwardness and impatience, my thin skin and tendency to fret about the future and things beyond my control. I thought these were faults, not characteristics of a personality type shared by millions, most of us existing in contemplative, considerate silence.
Through research, anecdotal interviews and personal experiences, Cain explores the ways introverted personalities manifest themselves in the workplace and personal relationships. The section on 鈥渉ighly-sensitive鈥� people struck home.
The highly sensitive tend to be philosophical or spiritual in their orientation, rather than materialistic or hedonistic. They dislike small talk. They often describe themselves as creative or intuitive. They love music, nature, art, physical beauty. They feel exceptionally strong emotions鈥攕ometimes acute bouts of joy, but also sorrow, melancholy, and fear. They are highly empathetic鈥ith thinner boundaries separating them from other people鈥檚 emotions and from the tragedies and cruelties of the worldYes, please. Reading this, I realized one of the reasons I tend to shut myself off and away is because I am overwhelmed by my own helplessness to change the world. I take things so personally and feel them so deeply that I become frozen in place, not knowing how to translate feeling into action.
When Cain discusses her professional epiphany, I had another laugh/cry moment. Hers was realizing that she was never cut out to be a corporate lawyer; mine, a university and corporate administrator. There are many aspects of our professions in which we excelled, rising quickly through the ranks. But neither of us is cut out for committee work, for schmoozing and glad-handing, for blowing our own horn鈥攁ll required in legal circles, ivory towers and boardrooms. I loved the one-on-one time I spent counseling students, building relationships with individual faculty, developing administrative processes and procedures, doing research and yes, presenting at conferences and leading workshops, for which I rehearsed and prepared weeks in advance.
But I knew I鈥檇 never rise to the ranks of the one in charge; I simply wasn鈥檛 built for the social demands and networking required of a Director. So, for fifteen years I left job after job just at the pinnacle of power and success鈥攁lways the Bridesmaid, never the Bride. I never really knew why, except that something was inherently wrong with me.
At last, I accept nothing is wrong with me; denying myself the opportunity to advance was recognition that moving up meant moving into roles for which I was constitutionally not suited.
Now I am a writer. And a happy little clam. I work to create niches of social balance to avoid complete isolation鈥擨 belong to a book club, a writer鈥檚 group, I volunteer, meet friends for coffee. Social media is a great release for me, because I only talk when I want to, I have all the time in the world to construct my thoughts (which I can edit later!) and no one is looking at me as I speak. Quiet has given me permission not to regard my limited in-person social circle as evidence of a failure of personality, but as respect given to my true nature: 鈥淟ove is essential: gregariousness is optional.鈥�
In some ways, working through the theories and examples in this book is exhausting and dispiriting鈥攊f I鈥檇 had a better understanding of how I function best, would I have made different choices? Yet, the most important choices I鈥檝e made鈥攅xcelling at and loving parts of my profession that I鈥檓 built for and not being swayed by extrinsic rewards to pursue paths for which I am not; the dogged determination that puts me in front of a keyboard every day with few indications that I will be able to make a living doing what I love鈥擨鈥檝e stuck to my temperament. My life鈥檚 path hasn鈥檛 been without its stumbles, but even without knowing quite what makes me tick, I've been true to my nature. This is Cain鈥檚 consistent and loudest message, delivered with the gentle power of an introvert.
A Manifesto for Introverts (from Quiet)
1. There鈥檚 a word for 鈥減eople who are in their heads too much鈥�: Thinkers.
2. Solitude is a catalyst for innovation.
3. The next generation of quiet kids can and must be raised to know their own strengths.
4. Sometimes it helps to be a pretend extrovert. There will always be time to be quiet later.
5. But in the long run, staying true to your temperament is key to finding work you love and work that matters.
6. One genuine new relationship is worth a fistful of business cards.
7. It鈥檚 OK to cross the street to avoid making small talk.
8. 鈥淨uiet leadership鈥� is not an oxymoron.
9. Love is essential; gregariousness is optional.
10. 鈥淚n a gentle way, you can shake the world.鈥� 鈥� Mahatma Ghandi
August 31, 2016
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain is a 2012 Crown publication.
I鈥檝e seen Susan Cain鈥檚 鈥楾ed Talks鈥�, video and knew I would have to read her book, it was just a matter of fitting it into my schedule.
As an extreme introvert, this book definitely feels like a form of validation. See? There is nothing wrong with me. There are other people out there just like me, who avoid social situations at all cost, would rather take a good beating than speak publicly, who feel drained after social occasions, and who must have alone time.
There are people who, like myself, tried to fake an extrovert personality, but were miserable because it. In a world that is increasingly group oriented, that recognizes the loud, outspoken, forceful personality over the quiet, soft spoken, unassuming temperament, this book is a Godsend.
But, while the book explains the tendencies of the introvert and offers some theories on how people develop this type of temperament, and how to cope and compromise in order to fulfill your job duties and family obligations without suffering an overabundance of anxiety or develop depression or a dependence on medication, this book is also a must read for extroverts!
Yes, that鈥檚 right鈥� extroverts should read this book too, so they can understand that colleague, sibling, or spouse, or child who is quiet, craves alone time, avoids social situations, and would rather not waste time on small talk.
How can employers create a workplace setting that brings out the best of both temperaments? Many people work better and are far more productive when working alone, and have much to contribute, but are often drowned out by the constant cacophony surrounding them.
While I agree with nearly everything the author writes, most of the scientific studies and analogies were only moderately interesting and highly debatable. I don鈥檛 know if I agreed with all those findings, and this particular section of the books was just a little bit dull.
Not everything mentioned here will pertain to every single person who identifies as an introvert. Taking the informal quiz, I answered nearly every question with 鈥榊es鈥�, but there were several traits that I do not own, so this is not a 鈥榦ne size fits all鈥� course, and doesn鈥檛 try to be, but I think the author covered a tremendous amount of relevant material any introvert can use and relate to.
I would not consider this book a 鈥榮elf-help鈥� book, but the author included a few tips and exercises one can use to ease social anxiety and learn to work in groups and speak publicly. There is also a section for parents who may worry about an introverted child, and how to encourage that child, not change them.
Overall, I am so happy to see the problems introverts face in an extroverted world, addressed and brought to the forefront.
4 stars
I鈥檝e seen Susan Cain鈥檚 鈥楾ed Talks鈥�, video and knew I would have to read her book, it was just a matter of fitting it into my schedule.
As an extreme introvert, this book definitely feels like a form of validation. See? There is nothing wrong with me. There are other people out there just like me, who avoid social situations at all cost, would rather take a good beating than speak publicly, who feel drained after social occasions, and who must have alone time.
There are people who, like myself, tried to fake an extrovert personality, but were miserable because it. In a world that is increasingly group oriented, that recognizes the loud, outspoken, forceful personality over the quiet, soft spoken, unassuming temperament, this book is a Godsend.
But, while the book explains the tendencies of the introvert and offers some theories on how people develop this type of temperament, and how to cope and compromise in order to fulfill your job duties and family obligations without suffering an overabundance of anxiety or develop depression or a dependence on medication, this book is also a must read for extroverts!
Yes, that鈥檚 right鈥� extroverts should read this book too, so they can understand that colleague, sibling, or spouse, or child who is quiet, craves alone time, avoids social situations, and would rather not waste time on small talk.
How can employers create a workplace setting that brings out the best of both temperaments? Many people work better and are far more productive when working alone, and have much to contribute, but are often drowned out by the constant cacophony surrounding them.
While I agree with nearly everything the author writes, most of the scientific studies and analogies were only moderately interesting and highly debatable. I don鈥檛 know if I agreed with all those findings, and this particular section of the books was just a little bit dull.
Not everything mentioned here will pertain to every single person who identifies as an introvert. Taking the informal quiz, I answered nearly every question with 鈥榊es鈥�, but there were several traits that I do not own, so this is not a 鈥榦ne size fits all鈥� course, and doesn鈥檛 try to be, but I think the author covered a tremendous amount of relevant material any introvert can use and relate to.
I would not consider this book a 鈥榮elf-help鈥� book, but the author included a few tips and exercises one can use to ease social anxiety and learn to work in groups and speak publicly. There is also a section for parents who may worry about an introverted child, and how to encourage that child, not change them.
Overall, I am so happy to see the problems introverts face in an extroverted world, addressed and brought to the forefront.
4 stars
May 5, 2022
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, Susan Cain
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. 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.
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亘禺卮 丕賵賱: 亘乇賵賳鈥屭必й� 丕蹖丿賴鈥屫①勜� 1- 馗賴賵乇 芦賴賲讴丕乇 丿賵爻鬲 丿丕卮鬲賳蹖 鬲賵丕賳賲賳丿貨 趩诏賵賳賴 亘乇賵賳鈥屭必й屰� 亘賴 丕蹖丿賴鈥屫①� 賮乇賴賳诏蹖 鬲亘丿蹖賱 卮丿禄貨 2- 芦丕賮爻丕賳賴鈥屰� 乇賴亘乇蹖 讴丕乇蹖夭賲丕鬲蹖讴貨 賮乇賴賳诏 卮禺氐蹖鬲 賲丨賵乇貙 氐丿 爻丕賱 亘毓丿禄貨 3- 芦賵賯鬲蹖 賴賲讴丕乇蹖 禺賱丕賯蹖鬲 乇丕 丕夭 亘蹖賳 賲蹖鈥屫ㄘ必� 馗賴賵乇 鬲賮讴乇 诏乇賵賴蹖 噩丿蹖丿 賵 賯丿乇鬲 讴丕乇 讴乇丿賳 亘賴 鬲賳賴丕蹖蹖禄貨
亘禺卮 丿賵賲: 亘蹖賵賱賵跇蹖 卮賲丕貙 禺賵蹖卮鬲賳 卮賲丕責 4- 芦丌蹖丕 禺賱賯 賵 禺賵蹖 賲丕 爻乇賳賵卮鬲 賲丕爻鬲責 匕丕鬲貙 鬲乇亘蹖鬲 賵 賮乇囟蹖賴鈥屰� 丕乇讴蹖丿禄貨 5- 芦賮乇丕鬲乇 丕夭 禺賱賯 賵 禺賵貨 賳賯卮 丕乇丕丿賴鈥屰� 丌夭丕丿 (賵 乇丕夭 爻禺賳乇丕賳蹖 丿乇 噩賲毓 亘乇丕蹖 丿乇賵賳鈥屭必з囏�)禄貨 6- 芦賮乇丕賳讴賱蹖賳 爻蹖丕爻鬲鈥屬呚ж� 亘賵丿貙 丕賲丕 丕賱賳賵乇 亘乇丕爻丕爻 賵噩丿丕賳 爻禺賳 賲蹖鈥屭佖� 趩乇丕 亘賴 禺賵賳爻乇丿賴丕 亘蹖卮 丕夭 丨丿 亘賴丕 丿丕丿賴 賲蹖鈥屫促堌熉回� 7- 芦趩乇丕 賵丕賱 丕爻鬲乇蹖鬲 爻賯賵胤 讴乇丿 賵 賵丕乇賳 亘丕賮鬲 鬲乇賯蹖 讴乇丿責 趩诏賵賳賴 丿乇賵賳鈥屭必з囏� 賵 亘乇賵賳鈥屭必з囏� 亘賴 賳丨賵 賲鬲賮丕賵鬲蹖 賲蹖鈥屫з嗀屫促嗀� (賵 丿賵倬丕賲蹖賳 鬲賵賱蹖丿 賲蹖鈥屭┵嗁嗀�)禄貨
亘禺卮 爻賵賲: 丌蹖丕 賴賲賴 鈥屰� 賮乇賴賳诏鈥屬囏� 亘乇賵賳鈥屭必й屰� 丕蹖丿賴 鈥屫①� 乇丕 丿丕乇賳丿責 8- 芦賯丿乇鬲 賳乇賲貨 丌爻蹖丕蹖蹖鈥撠①呚臂屭┴й屰屸€屬囏� 賵 亘乇賵賳鈥屭必й� 丕蹖丿賴鈥屫①勜� 亘禺卮 趩賴丕乇賲: 趩诏賵賳賴 毓卮賯 亘賵乇夭蹖賲貙 趩诏賵賳賴 讴丕乇 讴賳蹖賲禄貨 9- 芦趩賴 夭賲丕賳蹖 亘丕蹖丿 禺賵丿鬲丕賳 乇丕 亘乇賵賳鈥屭必ж� 丕夭 丌賳趩賴 賵丕賯毓丕賸 賴爻鬲蹖丿貙 賳卮丕賳 丿賴蹖丿責禄貨 10- 芦卮讴丕賮 丕乇鬲亘丕胤蹖貨 趩诏賵賳賴 亘丕 鬲蹖倬 卮禺氐蹖鬲蹖 賲禺丕賱賮 禺賵丿 氐丨亘鬲 讴賳蹖賲責禄貨 11- 芦倬蹖賳賴鈥屫堌操囏� 賵 跇賳乇丕賱鈥屬囏ж� 趩诏賵賳賴 亘趩賴鈥屬囏й� 爻丕讴鬲 乇丕 丿乇 噩賴丕賳蹖 讴賴 賳賲蹖鈥屫堌з嗀� 氐丿丕蹖 丌賳鈥屬囏� 乇丕 亘卮賳賵丿 倬乇賵乇卮 丿賴蹖賲責禄貨
賳鬲蹖噩賴: 芦爻乇夭賲蹖賳 毓噩丕蹖亘禄貨 芦蹖丕丿丿丕卮鬲蹖 丿乇 賵氐賮 賮丿丕讴丕乇蹖禄貨 芦蹖丕丿丿丕卮鬲蹖 丿乇亘丕乇賴 賵丕跇賴鈥屬囏й� 丿乇賵賳诏乇丕 賵 亘乇賵賳诏乇丕禄貨
鬲丕乇蹖禺 亘賴賳诏丕賲 乇爻丕賳蹖 13/04/1399賴噩乇蹖 禺賵乇卮蹖丿蹖貨 14/02/1401賴噩乇蹖 禺賵乇卮蹖丿蹖貨 丕. 卮乇亘蹖丕賳蹖
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. 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.
毓賳賵丕賳賴丕蹖 趩丕倬 卮丿賴 丿乇 丕蹖乇丕賳: 芦爻讴賵鬲: 賯丿乇鬲 丿乇賵賳鈥屭必з囏� 丿乇 丿賳蹖丕蹖蹖 讴賴 丕夭 丨乇賮 夭丿賳 亘丕夭 賳賲蹖鈥屫й屫池回� 芦爻讴賵鬲: 賯丿乇鬲 丿乇賵賳鈥屸€屭必з囏� 丿乇 丿賳蹖丕蹖蹖 讴賴 亘蹖鈥屬堎傎佡� 丨乇賮 賲蹖鈥屫操嗀回� 芦賯丿乇鬲 爻讴賵鬲: 鈥忊€傌必� 丿乇賵賳诏乇丕賴丕 丿乇 噩賴丕賳蹖 讴賴 賯丕丿乇 賳蹖爻鬲 丕夭 爻禺賳 诏賮鬲賳 亘丕夭 丕蹖爻鬲丿!禄貨 芦爻讴賵鬲: 賯丿乇鬲 丿乇賵賳鈥屭必з囏� 丿乇 噩賴丕賳蹖 讴賴 丕夭 爻禺賳 诏賮鬲賳 賳賲蹖鈥屫й屫池�!禄貨 芦爻讴賵鬲禄貨 賳賵蹖爻賳丿賴 爻賵夭丕賳 讴蹖賳貨 鬲丕乇蹖禺 賳禺爻鬲蹖賳 禺賵丕賳卮: 乇賵夭 賴卮鬲賲 賲丕賴 爻倬鬲丕賲亘乇 爻丕賱2017賲蹖賱丕丿蹖
毓賳賵丕賳: 爻讴賵鬲: 賯丿乇鬲 丿乇賵賳鈥屭必з囏� 丿乇 丿賳蹖丕蹖蹖 讴賴 丕夭 丨乇賮 夭丿賳 亘丕夭 賳賲蹖鈥屫й屫池� 賳賵蹖爻賳丿賴 爻賵夭丕賳 讴蹖賳貨 賲鬲乇噩賲賴丕 賳乇诏爻 噩賵丕丿蹖丕賳鈥屬傎呟屫� 賳毓賷賲賴 丕毓鬲丿丕賱鈥屬呝囏必� 鬲賴乇丕賳貙 丕賳鬲卮丕乇丕鬲 賲賳馗賵賲賴 賳诏丕乇丕賳貨 爻丕賱1393貨 丿乇292氐貨 卮丕亘讴9786009433605貨 賲賵囟賵毓 丿乇賵賳诏乇丕蹖蹖 賵 亘乇賵賳诏乇丕蹖蹖 - 乇賵丕亘胤 亘蹖賳 丕卮禺丕氐貙 丕夭 賳賵蹖爻賳丿诏丕賳 丕蹖丕賱丕鬲 賲鬲丨丿賴 丌賲乇蹖讴丕 - 爻丿賴21賲
毓賳賵丕賳: 爻讴賵鬲: 賯丿乇鬲 丿乇賵賳鈥屸€屭必з囏� 丿乇 丿賳蹖丕蹖蹖 讴賴 亘蹖鈥屬堎傎佡� 丨乇賮 賲蹖鈥屫操嗀� 賳賵蹖爻賳丿賴: 爻賵夭丕賳 讴蹖賳貨 賲鬲乇噩賲: 爻蹖賲蹖賳 賲賵丨丿貨 鬲賴乇丕賳 讴鬲丕亘爻乇丕蹖 鬲賳丿蹖爻鈥忊€� 爻丕賱1395貨 丿乇366氐貨 卮丕亘讴9786001821929貨 趩丕倬 丿賵賲 爻丕賱1396貨 趩丕倬 爻賵賲 爻丕賱197貨鈥€�
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毓賳賵丕賳: 爻讴賵鬲: 賯丿乇鬲 丿乇賵賳鈥屭必з囏� 丿乇 噩賴丕賳蹖 讴賴 丕夭 爻禺賳 诏賮鬲賳 賳賲蹖鈥屫й屫池�!貨 賳賵蹖爻賳丿賴: 爻賵夭丕賳 讴蹖賳貨 賲鬲乇噩賲 丿乇爻丕 毓馗蹖賲蹖貨 鬲賴乇丕賳 丕賱亘乇夭鈥忊€� 爻丕賱1393貨 丿乇373氐貨 卮丕亘讴9789644428982貨 趩丕倬賴丕蹖 丿賵賲 賵 爻賵賲 爻丕賱1395貨 趩丕倬賴丕蹖 趩賴丕乇賲 賵 倬賳噩賲 爻丕賱1396貨 鈥嗀з举囏й� 卮卮賲 賵 賴賮鬲賲 爻丕賱1397貨
毓賳賵丕賳: 爻讴賵鬲貨 賳賵蹖爻賳丿賴: 爻賵夭丕賳 讴蹖賳貨 賲鬲乇噩賲: 乇賵丨鈥屫з勝� 氐丕丿賯蹖貨 讴乇噩貙 丿乇 丿丕賳卮 亘賴賲賳貙 爻丕賱1395貨 丿乇460氐貨 卮丕亘讴9789641741978貨
賮賴乇爻鬲: 芦丿蹖丿诏丕賴鈥屬囏й屰� 倬蹖乇丕賲賵賳 讴鬲丕亘 賯丿乇鬲 爻讴賵鬲禄貨 芦蹖丕丿丿丕卮鬲 賳賵蹖爻賳丿賴禄貨 芦倬蹖卮 诏賮鬲丕乇禄貨 芦丿賵 賯胤亘 卮賲丕賱 賵 噩賳賵亘 禺賱賯 賵 禺賵禄貨
亘禺卮 丕賵賱: 亘乇賵賳鈥屭必й� 丕蹖丿賴鈥屫①勜� 1- 馗賴賵乇 芦賴賲讴丕乇 丿賵爻鬲 丿丕卮鬲賳蹖 鬲賵丕賳賲賳丿貨 趩诏賵賳賴 亘乇賵賳鈥屭必й屰� 亘賴 丕蹖丿賴鈥屫①� 賮乇賴賳诏蹖 鬲亘丿蹖賱 卮丿禄貨 2- 芦丕賮爻丕賳賴鈥屰� 乇賴亘乇蹖 讴丕乇蹖夭賲丕鬲蹖讴貨 賮乇賴賳诏 卮禺氐蹖鬲 賲丨賵乇貙 氐丿 爻丕賱 亘毓丿禄貨 3- 芦賵賯鬲蹖 賴賲讴丕乇蹖 禺賱丕賯蹖鬲 乇丕 丕夭 亘蹖賳 賲蹖鈥屫ㄘ必� 馗賴賵乇 鬲賮讴乇 诏乇賵賴蹖 噩丿蹖丿 賵 賯丿乇鬲 讴丕乇 讴乇丿賳 亘賴 鬲賳賴丕蹖蹖禄貨
亘禺卮 丿賵賲: 亘蹖賵賱賵跇蹖 卮賲丕貙 禺賵蹖卮鬲賳 卮賲丕責 4- 芦丌蹖丕 禺賱賯 賵 禺賵蹖 賲丕 爻乇賳賵卮鬲 賲丕爻鬲責 匕丕鬲貙 鬲乇亘蹖鬲 賵 賮乇囟蹖賴鈥屰� 丕乇讴蹖丿禄貨 5- 芦賮乇丕鬲乇 丕夭 禺賱賯 賵 禺賵貨 賳賯卮 丕乇丕丿賴鈥屰� 丌夭丕丿 (賵 乇丕夭 爻禺賳乇丕賳蹖 丿乇 噩賲毓 亘乇丕蹖 丿乇賵賳鈥屭必з囏�)禄貨 6- 芦賮乇丕賳讴賱蹖賳 爻蹖丕爻鬲鈥屬呚ж� 亘賵丿貙 丕賲丕 丕賱賳賵乇 亘乇丕爻丕爻 賵噩丿丕賳 爻禺賳 賲蹖鈥屭佖� 趩乇丕 亘賴 禺賵賳爻乇丿賴丕 亘蹖卮 丕夭 丨丿 亘賴丕 丿丕丿賴 賲蹖鈥屫促堌熉回� 7- 芦趩乇丕 賵丕賱 丕爻鬲乇蹖鬲 爻賯賵胤 讴乇丿 賵 賵丕乇賳 亘丕賮鬲 鬲乇賯蹖 讴乇丿責 趩诏賵賳賴 丿乇賵賳鈥屭必з囏� 賵 亘乇賵賳鈥屭必з囏� 亘賴 賳丨賵 賲鬲賮丕賵鬲蹖 賲蹖鈥屫з嗀屫促嗀� (賵 丿賵倬丕賲蹖賳 鬲賵賱蹖丿 賲蹖鈥屭┵嗁嗀�)禄貨
亘禺卮 爻賵賲: 丌蹖丕 賴賲賴 鈥屰� 賮乇賴賳诏鈥屬囏� 亘乇賵賳鈥屭必й屰� 丕蹖丿賴 鈥屫①� 乇丕 丿丕乇賳丿責 8- 芦賯丿乇鬲 賳乇賲貨 丌爻蹖丕蹖蹖鈥撠①呚臂屭┴й屰屸€屬囏� 賵 亘乇賵賳鈥屭必й� 丕蹖丿賴鈥屫①勜� 亘禺卮 趩賴丕乇賲: 趩诏賵賳賴 毓卮賯 亘賵乇夭蹖賲貙 趩诏賵賳賴 讴丕乇 讴賳蹖賲禄貨 9- 芦趩賴 夭賲丕賳蹖 亘丕蹖丿 禺賵丿鬲丕賳 乇丕 亘乇賵賳鈥屭必ж� 丕夭 丌賳趩賴 賵丕賯毓丕賸 賴爻鬲蹖丿貙 賳卮丕賳 丿賴蹖丿責禄貨 10- 芦卮讴丕賮 丕乇鬲亘丕胤蹖貨 趩诏賵賳賴 亘丕 鬲蹖倬 卮禺氐蹖鬲蹖 賲禺丕賱賮 禺賵丿 氐丨亘鬲 讴賳蹖賲責禄貨 11- 芦倬蹖賳賴鈥屫堌操囏� 賵 跇賳乇丕賱鈥屬囏ж� 趩诏賵賳賴 亘趩賴鈥屬囏й� 爻丕讴鬲 乇丕 丿乇 噩賴丕賳蹖 讴賴 賳賲蹖鈥屫堌з嗀� 氐丿丕蹖 丌賳鈥屬囏� 乇丕 亘卮賳賵丿 倬乇賵乇卮 丿賴蹖賲責禄貨
賳鬲蹖噩賴: 芦爻乇夭賲蹖賳 毓噩丕蹖亘禄貨 芦蹖丕丿丿丕卮鬲蹖 丿乇 賵氐賮 賮丿丕讴丕乇蹖禄貨 芦蹖丕丿丿丕卮鬲蹖 丿乇亘丕乇賴 賵丕跇賴鈥屬囏й� 丿乇賵賳诏乇丕 賵 亘乇賵賳诏乇丕禄貨
鬲丕乇蹖禺 亘賴賳诏丕賲 乇爻丕賳蹖 13/04/1399賴噩乇蹖 禺賵乇卮蹖丿蹖貨 14/02/1401賴噩乇蹖 禺賵乇卮蹖丿蹖貨 丕. 卮乇亘蹖丕賳蹖
February 10, 2017
Most of this, to be honest, is self-explanatory, but the rest is a fairly comprehensive exploration of how extroversion became a public ideal back in the 1920's, replacing the power of character with personality and the social stigma that has ever since been placed upon people who don't seem vibrant and ebullient.
It shouldn't come as any surprise to anyone that 1/3 to 1/2 of all people are introverts, but because we live in a society that places a premium on everything non-introverted, most of us have to fake it to make it, and with that comes exhaustion and misunderstanding, whether with our bosses, our intimates, or with ourselves and our own natures.
This book tells us to relax. Be ourselves. Value what you value and understand that some people aren't naturally conflict avoidant, that they like to express anger, surround themselves with a bunch of shallow social jostlers, and that we oughtn't judge our extroverted peers when they jump into decision-making strategies that sink ships and endanger the lives of everyone around them just because they couldn't be bothered to think things through before opening their damn mouths.
And please don't judge all the sheep that are impressed by the aggressive blowhards and follow on their every word because they're just so damn charismatic, either.
It's okay to think and spend some time alone from others. Really. It might just be the salvation of the world if enough of us just throw off the yoke of social expectations or the stigma of shyness and just get prepared, build up all our talents and reserves in peace, and strike when the time is perfect. We're not unobservant, after all. We just have little patience for bullshit.
And even if society has taught us to lie our asses off whenever we're expected to be gregarious and social in all those damn shallow ways that others tell us are the only way to make it in this world, don't despair. The High Social Monitoring we do is a coping mechanism that we've had to develop PRECISELY because we're considered social pariahs.
Oh, and GoodReads is a hotbed for a grass-roots introvert revolution. I don't think anyone here will have any real difficulty cultivating contacts and building their networking, because, after all, we're all discussing things that are very important to us and we're diving deep into the material, wallowing in our talents and our passions, and when we rise,
And Oh! We will Rise!
We will rise like the phoenix from the ashes of social scorn and we will scour the world of all those who would ever deny us our right to sit in silence to read our favorite book or sit in silence to write a chapter in our next brilliant novel.
We Will Overcome!
(Aside: Some interpretations of this book are mine only and should not be associated with the author.)
It shouldn't come as any surprise to anyone that 1/3 to 1/2 of all people are introverts, but because we live in a society that places a premium on everything non-introverted, most of us have to fake it to make it, and with that comes exhaustion and misunderstanding, whether with our bosses, our intimates, or with ourselves and our own natures.
This book tells us to relax. Be ourselves. Value what you value and understand that some people aren't naturally conflict avoidant, that they like to express anger, surround themselves with a bunch of shallow social jostlers, and that we oughtn't judge our extroverted peers when they jump into decision-making strategies that sink ships and endanger the lives of everyone around them just because they couldn't be bothered to think things through before opening their damn mouths.
And please don't judge all the sheep that are impressed by the aggressive blowhards and follow on their every word because they're just so damn charismatic, either.
It's okay to think and spend some time alone from others. Really. It might just be the salvation of the world if enough of us just throw off the yoke of social expectations or the stigma of shyness and just get prepared, build up all our talents and reserves in peace, and strike when the time is perfect. We're not unobservant, after all. We just have little patience for bullshit.
And even if society has taught us to lie our asses off whenever we're expected to be gregarious and social in all those damn shallow ways that others tell us are the only way to make it in this world, don't despair. The High Social Monitoring we do is a coping mechanism that we've had to develop PRECISELY because we're considered social pariahs.
Oh, and GoodReads is a hotbed for a grass-roots introvert revolution. I don't think anyone here will have any real difficulty cultivating contacts and building their networking, because, after all, we're all discussing things that are very important to us and we're diving deep into the material, wallowing in our talents and our passions, and when we rise,
And Oh! We will Rise!
We will rise like the phoenix from the ashes of social scorn and we will scour the world of all those who would ever deny us our right to sit in silence to read our favorite book or sit in silence to write a chapter in our next brilliant novel.
We Will Overcome!
(Aside: Some interpretations of this book are mine only and should not be associated with the author.)
February 16, 2023
This is probably the best book about introverts I have read so far. At the same time, it did not expand my horizons by relating something completely new. As an introvert, I can relate to many things discussed by Susan Cain.
Should you read the book if you are an extrovert? I believe, yes. It may help you better understand your friends, colleagues, and people in general as a third to a half of the population are estimated to be introverts.
The author seeks to explain what it means to be an introvert in our noisy and fast-paced world. She shares her personal experiences as an introvert and draws on different experiments concerning human psychology and behavior.
Susan Cain belies certain biases that surround introverted people in a culture conducive to extroversion. While extroverted people are often noted for their communication skills and charisma, introverts do not have anything against socializing. Introverts, too, like to communicate, often preferring one-on-one conversations, but they need to slow down and recharge after a busy day.
While many extroverts thrive on social interactions, introverts get exhausted relatively easily. However, many introverted people excel at listening to others, noticing details, contemplating, and reflecting on what is happening around them. They are more likely to be loyal to their close friends, whereas extroverts often do not search for closeness from their socializing and prioritize small talk.
Studies show that introverts prefer single-tasking to multitasking. Extroverts often perform better when they are required to focus on more than one task at a time.
According to the author, the main difference between extroverts and introverts concerns the level of outside stimulation they feel comfortable with.
Introverted and extroverted people respond to stimulation differently.
Most extroverts need large amounts of stimulation to function at their best. Introverts prefer relatively quiet and calm environments.
The goal is to find the stimulation level that suits you best. If introverts show better results when working independently or in small groups, this should be taken into account at school and the workplace. The author criticizes noisy and overstimulating classrooms which may impede introverts' productivity and make them feel out of place.
People who are considered to have a balance of both introversion and extroversion are called ambiverts. They are probably able to take the best from opposite ends of the spectrum.
In certain circumstances, introverts can act like extroverts. They can display traits usually related to extroversion. For instance, introverts can look confident and easy-going when giving public lectures. This self-presentation has its limits, though.
The ability to modify our behavior to the social demands of a situation is referred to as self-monitoring. Different people can be more or less effective at self-monitoring. A list of questions (given below) that can help to define our own level of self-monitoring is included.
***
If you want to know how strong a self-monitor you are, here are a few questions from Snyder鈥檚 Self-Monitoring Scale:
听
When you鈥檙e uncertain how to act in a social situation, do you look to the behavior of others for cues?
Do you often seek the advice of your friends to choose movies, books, or music?
In different situations and with different people, do you often act like very different people?
Do you find it easy to imitate other people?
Can you look someone in the eye and tell a lie with a straight face if for a right end?
Do you ever deceive people by being friendly when really you dislike them?
Do you put on a show to impress or entertain people?
Do you sometimes appear to others to be experiencing deeper emotions than you actually are?
听
The more times you answered 鈥測es鈥� to these questions, the more of a high self-monitor you are.
Now ask yourself these questions:
听
Is your behavior usually an expression of your true inner feelings, attitudes, and beliefs?
Do you find that you can only argue for ideas that you already believe?
Would you refuse to change your opinions, or the way you do things, in order to please someone else or win their favor?
Do you dislike games like charades or improvisational acting?
Do you have trouble changing your behavior to suit different people and different situations?
听
The more you tended to answer 鈥測es鈥� to this second set of questions, the more of a low self-monitor you are.
Should you read the book if you are an extrovert? I believe, yes. It may help you better understand your friends, colleagues, and people in general as a third to a half of the population are estimated to be introverts.
The author seeks to explain what it means to be an introvert in our noisy and fast-paced world. She shares her personal experiences as an introvert and draws on different experiments concerning human psychology and behavior.
Susan Cain belies certain biases that surround introverted people in a culture conducive to extroversion. While extroverted people are often noted for their communication skills and charisma, introverts do not have anything against socializing. Introverts, too, like to communicate, often preferring one-on-one conversations, but they need to slow down and recharge after a busy day.
While many extroverts thrive on social interactions, introverts get exhausted relatively easily. However, many introverted people excel at listening to others, noticing details, contemplating, and reflecting on what is happening around them. They are more likely to be loyal to their close friends, whereas extroverts often do not search for closeness from their socializing and prioritize small talk.
Studies show that introverts prefer single-tasking to multitasking. Extroverts often perform better when they are required to focus on more than one task at a time.
According to the author, the main difference between extroverts and introverts concerns the level of outside stimulation they feel comfortable with.
Introverted and extroverted people respond to stimulation differently.
Most extroverts need large amounts of stimulation to function at their best. Introverts prefer relatively quiet and calm environments.
The goal is to find the stimulation level that suits you best. If introverts show better results when working independently or in small groups, this should be taken into account at school and the workplace. The author criticizes noisy and overstimulating classrooms which may impede introverts' productivity and make them feel out of place.
People who are considered to have a balance of both introversion and extroversion are called ambiverts. They are probably able to take the best from opposite ends of the spectrum.
In certain circumstances, introverts can act like extroverts. They can display traits usually related to extroversion. For instance, introverts can look confident and easy-going when giving public lectures. This self-presentation has its limits, though.
The ability to modify our behavior to the social demands of a situation is referred to as self-monitoring. Different people can be more or less effective at self-monitoring. A list of questions (given below) that can help to define our own level of self-monitoring is included.
***
If you want to know how strong a self-monitor you are, here are a few questions from Snyder鈥檚 Self-Monitoring Scale:
听
When you鈥檙e uncertain how to act in a social situation, do you look to the behavior of others for cues?
Do you often seek the advice of your friends to choose movies, books, or music?
In different situations and with different people, do you often act like very different people?
Do you find it easy to imitate other people?
Can you look someone in the eye and tell a lie with a straight face if for a right end?
Do you ever deceive people by being friendly when really you dislike them?
Do you put on a show to impress or entertain people?
Do you sometimes appear to others to be experiencing deeper emotions than you actually are?
听
The more times you answered 鈥測es鈥� to these questions, the more of a high self-monitor you are.
Now ask yourself these questions:
听
Is your behavior usually an expression of your true inner feelings, attitudes, and beliefs?
Do you find that you can only argue for ideas that you already believe?
Would you refuse to change your opinions, or the way you do things, in order to please someone else or win their favor?
Do you dislike games like charades or improvisational acting?
Do you have trouble changing your behavior to suit different people and different situations?
听
The more you tended to answer 鈥測es鈥� to this second set of questions, the more of a low self-monitor you are.
October 12, 2020
Awesome, awesome book! I鈥檝e been sitting on this one since 2014. It鈥檚 been off and on my TBR several times over the last 6 years. This year I have read all Net Galley books, Libby books, and read-for-review books. I thought it was time to pick one of the 953 (no kidding鈥攈angs head in shame) e-books sitting on my kindle and this is what I selected. Boy did I get a winner. Go me!
OK, so yes, I鈥檓 a big introvert. Though this book discusses both introverts and extroverts, there is a bit more emphasis on introverts. Despite that, I think it will be a fascinating read for everyone no matter how you identify.
Ms. Cain, a self-proclaimed introvert, has an 鈥渋nsatiable curiosity鈥� for human nature (her words). She is also an acclaimed author, has a Harvard law school degree, and has given innumerable talks (and was terrified before each one). She has won a host of awards. She recorded a smashing TED talk that has been viewed 14 million times and was named by Bill Gates as one of his all-time favorite talks.
This book kept me flipping the pages as if it were a Mark Edwards suspense novel. Ms. Cain lays out the results of a number of research studies (NOT boring) and dissects for us the traits of introverts and extroverts and how these traits are perceived by others and can propel one through life. The narrative is full of individual 鈥渃ases鈥�, including Eleanor Roosevelt, Warren Buffet, and regular people of all ages and how their introvertism has affected their lives. I now understand a lot more about myself and why I feel or think things that I could not understand before. Plus, I feel pretty darn proud to be an introvert.
There is SO much more to this book. It is such a compelling treatise that it approaches being a 鈥渕ust read,鈥� in my opinion, for everyone who interacts with other people. Which is, well鈥�. everyone. Oh, and I鈥檓 glad this book is on my kindle where it will forever sit as I know I will refer to all my saved highlights time and again.
Finally, a special shoutout to Gunjan, whose review finally got me to read this one.
OK, so yes, I鈥檓 a big introvert. Though this book discusses both introverts and extroverts, there is a bit more emphasis on introverts. Despite that, I think it will be a fascinating read for everyone no matter how you identify.
Ms. Cain, a self-proclaimed introvert, has an 鈥渋nsatiable curiosity鈥� for human nature (her words). She is also an acclaimed author, has a Harvard law school degree, and has given innumerable talks (and was terrified before each one). She has won a host of awards. She recorded a smashing TED talk that has been viewed 14 million times and was named by Bill Gates as one of his all-time favorite talks.
This book kept me flipping the pages as if it were a Mark Edwards suspense novel. Ms. Cain lays out the results of a number of research studies (NOT boring) and dissects for us the traits of introverts and extroverts and how these traits are perceived by others and can propel one through life. The narrative is full of individual 鈥渃ases鈥�, including Eleanor Roosevelt, Warren Buffet, and regular people of all ages and how their introvertism has affected their lives. I now understand a lot more about myself and why I feel or think things that I could not understand before. Plus, I feel pretty darn proud to be an introvert.
There is SO much more to this book. It is such a compelling treatise that it approaches being a 鈥渕ust read,鈥� in my opinion, for everyone who interacts with other people. Which is, well鈥�. everyone. Oh, and I鈥檓 glad this book is on my kindle where it will forever sit as I know I will refer to all my saved highlights time and again.
Finally, a special shoutout to Gunjan, whose review finally got me to read this one.
January 3, 2016
Update: Solid 5 stars..( Jan. 3rd 2016)...
I had a reason for a 4.9 rating years ago..
I still believe what I wrote ... however..
this book is a lifetime favorite book!!!
I had a conversation about it just yesterday.
I can get very charged up about this book.
When I've purged giving books away.. I've always 'kept' this one for myself ( yet I've bought extra copies a few times and have given it as a gift).
I feel everyone benefits from this book..'everyone' ... and the process of reading it is a fabulous journey too!
Rating: 4.9. Why not a solid 5 star rating? At 'times' I felt the author (an introvert herself), painted a slanted side of the extrovert. [these were just 'small' between-the-line-gut-feelings I felt 'sensitive to']....
However:
This book is 'excellent'. Its interesting as can be -informative-important- and enjoyable.
...A fast read even 'with' sitting at a table taking notes. (I took 8 long pages of notes)-- it was pure 'joy'....(engaging with this topic). Much to think about, to remember, to discuss.
Our book club will talk about this book together Oct. 20th (can't wait).
All teachers and parents would benefit from reading this book.
*Everyone* would benefit reading this book!
I'd suggest this book to EVERYONE!!!
I had a reason for a 4.9 rating years ago..
I still believe what I wrote ... however..
this book is a lifetime favorite book!!!
I had a conversation about it just yesterday.
I can get very charged up about this book.
When I've purged giving books away.. I've always 'kept' this one for myself ( yet I've bought extra copies a few times and have given it as a gift).
I feel everyone benefits from this book..'everyone' ... and the process of reading it is a fabulous journey too!
Rating: 4.9. Why not a solid 5 star rating? At 'times' I felt the author (an introvert herself), painted a slanted side of the extrovert. [these were just 'small' between-the-line-gut-feelings I felt 'sensitive to']....
However:
This book is 'excellent'. Its interesting as can be -informative-important- and enjoyable.
...A fast read even 'with' sitting at a table taking notes. (I took 8 long pages of notes)-- it was pure 'joy'....(engaging with this topic). Much to think about, to remember, to discuss.
Our book club will talk about this book together Oct. 20th (can't wait).
All teachers and parents would benefit from reading this book.
*Everyone* would benefit reading this book!
I'd suggest this book to EVERYONE!!!
August 7, 2016
Quiet entered my life at a particularly low moment. Allow me to set the scene: I had been on vacation for a week and a half. We were in Colorado, visiting my husband's family, some of whom I had met before, others whom I had not. I knew I wasn't going to be entirely comfortable being around people the whole trip- I'm a huge introvert and I'm self aware enough to know that I need downtime, and quite a bit of it, to feel as if I'm functioning normally. But I didn't realize that my husband, who is just as introverted as I am and who I was counting on to help me through all of the introductions, dinners, conversations, etc, was going to immerse himself in Pokemon Go a majority of the time and essentially leave me to my own devices. As Susan Cain would say, he found a "restorative niche" for himself in a digital world. It was hard on me as I didn't have that escape.
So, here we are, visiting a friend's home and my daughter, who strangely enough is a huge extrovert (the exact opposite of her parents), is struggling. She's tired, out-of-sorts, and throwing a sulk every ten minutes. I'm meeting yet more people, trying to hold trite conversations, and steer my child, all the while just wanting to retreat into a cave and not talk to anyone for a very long time. Honestly, I felt that way before we reached the party, but things seemed to get much, much worse the moment we arrived. It had been building over the course of the vacation, but that day, my internal clamor reached a boiling point. My husband was oblivious to my growing discomfort as he's catching Pokemon, again. (I don't mean to sound bitter here, but I suppose that I am.) I had forced myself for ten days to be social, keep the smile on my face, keep everything flowing smoothly. To my horror, I realize that I am about to have a panic attack in the middle of this crowd of people, more than half of whom I don't even know. I grab my keys and leave.
I drive a couple blocks away, castigating myself for not being able to handle it and just pissed because, once again, like many times in my childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, I feel like I'm failing at life because I'm not a social butterfly. I can't stand to be around strangers for extended periods of time. I've always been this way- overly sensitive to others, noise, motion, events. I really dislike groups, parties, places where I have to circulate with a bunch of people who don't know me or care about anything that I have to say. The tears fell down my cheeks as I opened up my tablet and began reading this book. And I discovered that about half of all people are just like me. Thank you, Susan Cain. Your book gave me the courage to drive back to my friend's house and face the rest of the evening. I am not a pariah. I am an introvert and perhaps I can do a better job figuring out when I've reached my socializing limits before I meltdown.
Many of the positive attributes of introverts which Susan describes, I totally have, I've just never considered them as worth the trade-off of the extroverted personality. I notice small details, have a great memory for conversations and events, long past the time when others forget such things. I think carefully about problems and people, devoting time to taking apart small nuances of books and movies, that other people don't even consider, which makes me a good reviewer of media- perfect for my job as a librarian. Susan nailed my general feeling about myself in the introduction: "Introverts living under the Extrovert Ideal are like women in a man's world, discounted because of a trait that goes to the core of who they are. Extroversion is an enormously appealing personality style, but we've turned it into an oppressive standard to which most of us feel we must conform." pg 34 ebook. Yes!
My role at the reference desk calls for an extroverted personality but I muddle through it, because I care about the job and helping others. Usually, I come home from work, totally worn out and in need of quiet time to unwind. Susan helped me understand that sometimes "faking it" is worth it, if it for a cause that means something to you and that others do the exact same thing that I do. Pull out the mask for the job, but then allow yourself the freedom to be who you really are at home: "According to Free Trait Theory, we are born and culturally endowed with certain personality traits- introversion, for example- but we can and do act out of character in the service of "core personal projects." In other words, introverts are capable of acting like extroverts for the sake of work they consider important, people they love, or anything they value highly." pg 391 ebook.
My favorite parts of the book were about sensitivity and social situations. Take this passage: "...maybe we didn't choose ... social accessories at random. Maybe we've adopted dark glasses, relaxed body language, and alcohol as signifiers precisely because they camouflage signs of a nervous system on overdrive. Sunglasses prevent others from seeing our eyes dilate with surprise or fear; we know from Kagan's work that a relaxed torso is a hallmark of low reactivity; and alcohol removes our inhibitions and lowers our arousal levels. When you go to a football game and someone offers you a beer, says the personality psychologist Brian Little, "they're really saying hi, have a glass of extroversion." pg 277 ebook. I may use that in my life. "Please hand me that glass of extroversion."
I also really enjoyed learning the differences in thinking: "Introverts and extroverts also direct their attention differently: if you leave them to their own devices, the introverts tend to sit around wondering about things, imagining things, recalling events from their past, and making plans for the future. The extroverts are more likely to focus on what's happening around them. It's as if extroverts are seeing "what is" while their introverted peers are asking "what if." pg 323 ebook. Yeah, I do that too.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. It saved an evening for me, but more importantly, it changed the way that I view myself. There is power in knowing that you're not alone. Again, thank you, Susan Cain. Some read-alikes: The Introvert's Way: Living a Quiet Life in a Noisy World by Sophia Dembling (for introversion) or Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson (for more instances of social anxiety).
So, here we are, visiting a friend's home and my daughter, who strangely enough is a huge extrovert (the exact opposite of her parents), is struggling. She's tired, out-of-sorts, and throwing a sulk every ten minutes. I'm meeting yet more people, trying to hold trite conversations, and steer my child, all the while just wanting to retreat into a cave and not talk to anyone for a very long time. Honestly, I felt that way before we reached the party, but things seemed to get much, much worse the moment we arrived. It had been building over the course of the vacation, but that day, my internal clamor reached a boiling point. My husband was oblivious to my growing discomfort as he's catching Pokemon, again. (I don't mean to sound bitter here, but I suppose that I am.) I had forced myself for ten days to be social, keep the smile on my face, keep everything flowing smoothly. To my horror, I realize that I am about to have a panic attack in the middle of this crowd of people, more than half of whom I don't even know. I grab my keys and leave.
I drive a couple blocks away, castigating myself for not being able to handle it and just pissed because, once again, like many times in my childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, I feel like I'm failing at life because I'm not a social butterfly. I can't stand to be around strangers for extended periods of time. I've always been this way- overly sensitive to others, noise, motion, events. I really dislike groups, parties, places where I have to circulate with a bunch of people who don't know me or care about anything that I have to say. The tears fell down my cheeks as I opened up my tablet and began reading this book. And I discovered that about half of all people are just like me. Thank you, Susan Cain. Your book gave me the courage to drive back to my friend's house and face the rest of the evening. I am not a pariah. I am an introvert and perhaps I can do a better job figuring out when I've reached my socializing limits before I meltdown.
Many of the positive attributes of introverts which Susan describes, I totally have, I've just never considered them as worth the trade-off of the extroverted personality. I notice small details, have a great memory for conversations and events, long past the time when others forget such things. I think carefully about problems and people, devoting time to taking apart small nuances of books and movies, that other people don't even consider, which makes me a good reviewer of media- perfect for my job as a librarian. Susan nailed my general feeling about myself in the introduction: "Introverts living under the Extrovert Ideal are like women in a man's world, discounted because of a trait that goes to the core of who they are. Extroversion is an enormously appealing personality style, but we've turned it into an oppressive standard to which most of us feel we must conform." pg 34 ebook. Yes!
My role at the reference desk calls for an extroverted personality but I muddle through it, because I care about the job and helping others. Usually, I come home from work, totally worn out and in need of quiet time to unwind. Susan helped me understand that sometimes "faking it" is worth it, if it for a cause that means something to you and that others do the exact same thing that I do. Pull out the mask for the job, but then allow yourself the freedom to be who you really are at home: "According to Free Trait Theory, we are born and culturally endowed with certain personality traits- introversion, for example- but we can and do act out of character in the service of "core personal projects." In other words, introverts are capable of acting like extroverts for the sake of work they consider important, people they love, or anything they value highly." pg 391 ebook.
My favorite parts of the book were about sensitivity and social situations. Take this passage: "...maybe we didn't choose ... social accessories at random. Maybe we've adopted dark glasses, relaxed body language, and alcohol as signifiers precisely because they camouflage signs of a nervous system on overdrive. Sunglasses prevent others from seeing our eyes dilate with surprise or fear; we know from Kagan's work that a relaxed torso is a hallmark of low reactivity; and alcohol removes our inhibitions and lowers our arousal levels. When you go to a football game and someone offers you a beer, says the personality psychologist Brian Little, "they're really saying hi, have a glass of extroversion." pg 277 ebook. I may use that in my life. "Please hand me that glass of extroversion."
I also really enjoyed learning the differences in thinking: "Introverts and extroverts also direct their attention differently: if you leave them to their own devices, the introverts tend to sit around wondering about things, imagining things, recalling events from their past, and making plans for the future. The extroverts are more likely to focus on what's happening around them. It's as if extroverts are seeing "what is" while their introverted peers are asking "what if." pg 323 ebook. Yeah, I do that too.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. It saved an evening for me, but more importantly, it changed the way that I view myself. There is power in knowing that you're not alone. Again, thank you, Susan Cain. Some read-alikes: The Introvert's Way: Living a Quiet Life in a Noisy World by Sophia Dembling (for introversion) or Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson (for more instances of social anxiety).
August 3, 2012
This was the most painful book I have read this summer. I choked it down like bad medicine page after page. Quiet is great self affirmation for someone who considers themselves an introvert, and sees humans as either an extrovert or introvert. Cain certainly thinks she鈥檚 the poster child of an introvert, or is she? The book reads like a memoir in parts where she tells stories of her own life, then there are smatterings or small examples in specific parts of people鈥檚 lives of how greatness comes in quiet e.g. Steve Wozniak, Gandhi, Rosa Parks.
Cain also fancies herself a bit of a child psychologist, on one hand it鈥檚 ok for kids to be shy or in their shell, these aren鈥檛 bad things, and very normal, but on the other hand we need to nudge and push slowly to get kids out of their quiet place. So which is it?
It doesn鈥檛 bother me that Cain isn鈥檛 a psychologist or economist, but she鈥檚 talking through both sides of her mouth, the book is a pity party, she thinks the decisions in modern workplaces are influenced by highly extroverted personalities like those from the Harvard Business School. There鈥檚 no backing for this other than the fact that business students are extroverts. Additionally the economic crisis was wholly the fault of extroverts, basically extroverts with their loud voices overpowered the brilliant quiet hardworking, and smart introverts and ran the economy to the ground. I鈥檓 afraid you really aren鈥檛 brilliant if something has already happened and you didn鈥檛 do anything to stop it. In hindsight everything is 20/20, just because you are quiet and something bad is happening saying 鈥淚 knew it!鈥� doesn鈥檛 do much.
The circlejerk continues when Cain bangs on about everyone who a douche as being an extrovert. Good guys are introverts, Warren Buffet because of his one speech about the dot com bubble bursting was quiet and well calculated in his words. The rest of the word are greedy businessmen. There鈥檚 some sample or thin slicing in her discussions that I find problematic, and read a bit like a tabloid.
Susan Cain is clearly appealing to an audience that is already sold to introversion, and stroking those egos. I wish the book had more solutions instead of harping about how bad people are. The book blurs it鈥檚 lines through many genres, self help, psychology and a dash of group-think. I consider myself an introvert, but also an extrovert, yes I do believe brilliance happens in unaccompanied activities like running. I charge my batteries during times like this but I also don鈥檛 鈥渟uffer in silence鈥�. I don鈥檛 believe people are fully introverted or extroverted.
Reading Khaneman鈥檚 Thinking Fast and Slow and Mcgonigal鈥檚 Willpower Instinct make Cain鈥檚 book look hurriedly and thoughtlessly written, there鈥檚 little appeal to science.
Cain also fancies herself a bit of a child psychologist, on one hand it鈥檚 ok for kids to be shy or in their shell, these aren鈥檛 bad things, and very normal, but on the other hand we need to nudge and push slowly to get kids out of their quiet place. So which is it?
It doesn鈥檛 bother me that Cain isn鈥檛 a psychologist or economist, but she鈥檚 talking through both sides of her mouth, the book is a pity party, she thinks the decisions in modern workplaces are influenced by highly extroverted personalities like those from the Harvard Business School. There鈥檚 no backing for this other than the fact that business students are extroverts. Additionally the economic crisis was wholly the fault of extroverts, basically extroverts with their loud voices overpowered the brilliant quiet hardworking, and smart introverts and ran the economy to the ground. I鈥檓 afraid you really aren鈥檛 brilliant if something has already happened and you didn鈥檛 do anything to stop it. In hindsight everything is 20/20, just because you are quiet and something bad is happening saying 鈥淚 knew it!鈥� doesn鈥檛 do much.
The circlejerk continues when Cain bangs on about everyone who a douche as being an extrovert. Good guys are introverts, Warren Buffet because of his one speech about the dot com bubble bursting was quiet and well calculated in his words. The rest of the word are greedy businessmen. There鈥檚 some sample or thin slicing in her discussions that I find problematic, and read a bit like a tabloid.
Susan Cain is clearly appealing to an audience that is already sold to introversion, and stroking those egos. I wish the book had more solutions instead of harping about how bad people are. The book blurs it鈥檚 lines through many genres, self help, psychology and a dash of group-think. I consider myself an introvert, but also an extrovert, yes I do believe brilliance happens in unaccompanied activities like running. I charge my batteries during times like this but I also don鈥檛 鈥渟uffer in silence鈥�. I don鈥檛 believe people are fully introverted or extroverted.
Reading Khaneman鈥檚 Thinking Fast and Slow and Mcgonigal鈥檚 Willpower Instinct make Cain鈥檚 book look hurriedly and thoughtlessly written, there鈥檚 little appeal to science.
May 19, 2014
There's a real pleasure in recognition. Hearing about yourself, finding out you're not alone, it can be a huge relief and release. And so, as a long-time (although fairly gregarious) introvert, I enjoyed this book quite a bit. Not much of it was truly surprising, but still, it's nice to read a book that validates the way I tend to operate anyway.
Note: The rest of this review has been withdrawn due to the recent changes in 欧宝娱乐 policy and enforcement. You can read why I came to this decision here.
In the meantime, you can read the entire review at
Note: The rest of this review has been withdrawn due to the recent changes in 欧宝娱乐 policy and enforcement. You can read why I came to this decision here.
In the meantime, you can read the entire review at
September 1, 2015
This book spoke directly to my soul, to the core of my being.
If you鈥檙e on this site and reading this, you probably enjoy time alone to read, think and recharge your batteries. It鈥檚 not that you鈥檙e anti-social, you just prefer having meaningful conversations with one or two people rather than being stuck in a room with a loud group talking about... nothing.
Susan Cain鈥檚 book will validate you and make you feel you鈥檙e not a freak. You don鈥檛 need 鈥渢o come out of your shell.鈥� In fact, there are more of us out there than you鈥檇 think. 鈥淚ntroverts鈥� 鈥� even the word has negative connotations 鈥� make up somewhere between 鈪� and 陆 of the population.
Cain, who trained as a lawyer but discovered the corporate world wasn鈥檛 for her, provides a fascinating look at how current society champions the extrovert ideal. People who speak quickly and loudly (even if they鈥檙e not saying much) get praised and promoted. Team-work is encouraged, and there鈥檚 no 鈥淚鈥� in team, now is there?
But introverts, those quiet people who are trying to focus while people are blabbing all around them, have a lot to contribute. Yet they're often ignored.
Early sections of the book are devoted to closely examining this extrovert ideal, in a hellishly hilarious Tony Robbins motivation seminar; in the running of a super church; and in studying how Dale Carnegie altered the social landscape with his gung-ho bible How To Win Friends And Influence People.
Cain looks at the science of temperament, showing how differences are evident from childbirth 鈥� an extended bit about 鈥渉igh and low reactive people鈥� is fascinating. She also shows that introverts might actually be physiologically more 鈥渢hin-skinned鈥� than extroverts, and how introversion and conscience are connected.
Understanding personality types isn鈥檛 just theoretical. It has practical applications. Cain suggests how the extroverts in the business world may have caused the 2008 Wall Street crash. And her look at other cultures 鈥� Asia, for instance 鈥� demonstrates that the extrovert ideal isn鈥檛 a universal phenomenon.
I found the sections on how introverts learn how to become 鈥渇ake鈥� extroverts absolutely mind-blowing. There are stories of wildly successful professors and even sales people you鈥檇 never classify as introverts but are. I understand this. I think any introvert living in this society has learned, by necessity, how to be more gregarious 鈥� through confident voice, posture, attitude 鈥� even though it鈥檚 not necessarily in his or her nature.
I鈥檝e delivered public talks, sat (and talked) on many panels, go to gala openings and for several years had to chat weekly on national TV, always extremely well-prepared (de rigueur for introverts)... but I never really felt or feel completely at ease in these environments. I have to decompress afterwards with close friends. Or go home and read a book.
One of the most valuable lessons Cain teaches us is to follow our instincts, especially concerning work and love. To go against our natures could be fatal.
Cain also offers up inspiring examples of introverts throughout history: from Rosa Parks and Eleanor Roosevelt to Steve Wozniak and Mahatma Gandhi. Each one is instructive and remarkable.
The book gets bogged down near the end by illustrations of how introverts and extroverts can get along. And at times there鈥檚 a bit of over-compensating rah-rahing for the underdog. But it鈥檚 not introvert = good, extrovert = bad, and after all, most of us aren鈥檛 exclusively in one camp or the other. (Plus: is an extrovert really going to read something called Quiet?)
This is a remarkable book, and essential reading for teachers, employers and parents. And for all of you thoughtful friends and readers on 欧宝娱乐.
If you鈥檙e on this site and reading this, you probably enjoy time alone to read, think and recharge your batteries. It鈥檚 not that you鈥檙e anti-social, you just prefer having meaningful conversations with one or two people rather than being stuck in a room with a loud group talking about... nothing.
Susan Cain鈥檚 book will validate you and make you feel you鈥檙e not a freak. You don鈥檛 need 鈥渢o come out of your shell.鈥� In fact, there are more of us out there than you鈥檇 think. 鈥淚ntroverts鈥� 鈥� even the word has negative connotations 鈥� make up somewhere between 鈪� and 陆 of the population.
Cain, who trained as a lawyer but discovered the corporate world wasn鈥檛 for her, provides a fascinating look at how current society champions the extrovert ideal. People who speak quickly and loudly (even if they鈥檙e not saying much) get praised and promoted. Team-work is encouraged, and there鈥檚 no 鈥淚鈥� in team, now is there?
But introverts, those quiet people who are trying to focus while people are blabbing all around them, have a lot to contribute. Yet they're often ignored.
Early sections of the book are devoted to closely examining this extrovert ideal, in a hellishly hilarious Tony Robbins motivation seminar; in the running of a super church; and in studying how Dale Carnegie altered the social landscape with his gung-ho bible How To Win Friends And Influence People.
Cain looks at the science of temperament, showing how differences are evident from childbirth 鈥� an extended bit about 鈥渉igh and low reactive people鈥� is fascinating. She also shows that introverts might actually be physiologically more 鈥渢hin-skinned鈥� than extroverts, and how introversion and conscience are connected.
Understanding personality types isn鈥檛 just theoretical. It has practical applications. Cain suggests how the extroverts in the business world may have caused the 2008 Wall Street crash. And her look at other cultures 鈥� Asia, for instance 鈥� demonstrates that the extrovert ideal isn鈥檛 a universal phenomenon.
I found the sections on how introverts learn how to become 鈥渇ake鈥� extroverts absolutely mind-blowing. There are stories of wildly successful professors and even sales people you鈥檇 never classify as introverts but are. I understand this. I think any introvert living in this society has learned, by necessity, how to be more gregarious 鈥� through confident voice, posture, attitude 鈥� even though it鈥檚 not necessarily in his or her nature.
I鈥檝e delivered public talks, sat (and talked) on many panels, go to gala openings and for several years had to chat weekly on national TV, always extremely well-prepared (de rigueur for introverts)... but I never really felt or feel completely at ease in these environments. I have to decompress afterwards with close friends. Or go home and read a book.
One of the most valuable lessons Cain teaches us is to follow our instincts, especially concerning work and love. To go against our natures could be fatal.
Cain also offers up inspiring examples of introverts throughout history: from Rosa Parks and Eleanor Roosevelt to Steve Wozniak and Mahatma Gandhi. Each one is instructive and remarkable.
The book gets bogged down near the end by illustrations of how introverts and extroverts can get along. And at times there鈥檚 a bit of over-compensating rah-rahing for the underdog. But it鈥檚 not introvert = good, extrovert = bad, and after all, most of us aren鈥檛 exclusively in one camp or the other. (Plus: is an extrovert really going to read something called Quiet?)
This is a remarkable book, and essential reading for teachers, employers and parents. And for all of you thoughtful friends and readers on 欧宝娱乐.
May 20, 2016
I love reading on Friday nights, writing on Saturday afternoons, and having quiet get-togethers on Sunday. But I also enjoy giving presentations at school, tutoring peers in writing, and interacting with various people online and in real life. I'd describe myself as an introvert (and my Meyers-Briggs personality type agrees), though both introverts and extroverts would enjoy this fascinating book by Susan Cain. She provides an intriguing, in-depth perspective on introversion, its connotation in contrasting cultures, and the psychology behind it.
A profusion of the nonfiction I've read has contained too much of something - too many random anecdotes, too much scientific jargon, too many unnecessary statistics or explanations. But Quiet has the perfect blend of personal anecdotes, interesting analysis, detailed explanations, and compelling statistics. Cain references various studies conducted by psychologists and discusses several aspects related to introversion, such as the extrovert ideal, how extroverts and introverts can compliment each other and work together, nature v. nature, etc. Here's one passage about sensitive people (who tend to be more introverted) that struck a chord with me:
"The other thing Aron found about sensitive people is that sometimes they're highly empathic. It's as if they have thinner boundaries separating them from other people's emotions and from the tragedies and cruelties of the world. They tend to have unusually strong consciences. They avoid violent movies and TV shows; they're acutely aware of the consequences of a lapse in their own behavior. In social settings they often focus on subjects like personal problems, which others consider 'too heavy'."
I guess I have an excuse for exposing so much of myself on my blog, huh? Anyway, Cain delves into other subjects that are intellectually stimulating too, such as the three things she thinks are important in identifying one's personal project. She even brings up the relationship between Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. as well as other famous historical figures.
Overall, highly recommended to everyone curious about their own temperaments and how to embrace their natural personalities. One of the best works of nonfiction I've read.
*review cross-posted on my blog, .
A profusion of the nonfiction I've read has contained too much of something - too many random anecdotes, too much scientific jargon, too many unnecessary statistics or explanations. But Quiet has the perfect blend of personal anecdotes, interesting analysis, detailed explanations, and compelling statistics. Cain references various studies conducted by psychologists and discusses several aspects related to introversion, such as the extrovert ideal, how extroverts and introverts can compliment each other and work together, nature v. nature, etc. Here's one passage about sensitive people (who tend to be more introverted) that struck a chord with me:
"The other thing Aron found about sensitive people is that sometimes they're highly empathic. It's as if they have thinner boundaries separating them from other people's emotions and from the tragedies and cruelties of the world. They tend to have unusually strong consciences. They avoid violent movies and TV shows; they're acutely aware of the consequences of a lapse in their own behavior. In social settings they often focus on subjects like personal problems, which others consider 'too heavy'."
I guess I have an excuse for exposing so much of myself on my blog, huh? Anyway, Cain delves into other subjects that are intellectually stimulating too, such as the three things she thinks are important in identifying one's personal project. She even brings up the relationship between Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. as well as other famous historical figures.
Overall, highly recommended to everyone curious about their own temperaments and how to embrace their natural personalities. One of the best works of nonfiction I've read.
*review cross-posted on my blog, .
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