If you’re an introvert Quiet will make you feel seen and not crazy! There’s nothing wrong with you, you’re just trying to succeed in a society built by and for extroverts. Susan Cain challenges mainstream advice with scientific research and anecdotes. Quiet should be required reading for all educators, employers, and parents.
Pairs With: Dark Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans but not because it’s dull! There’s so much great info on every page you’ll want to be fully alert to comprehend it all.
Overview:
It is no exaggeration to say that, Quiet, The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain is one of the best books out there. There’s a reason this book has 4.6 stars and 13,001 reviews (as of today 2.12.21) on Amazon.
If you’re an introvert and have always felt like your way of operating was ‘wrong’ – you need to read this one! Quiet will change how you view yourself and smash the misconceptions about who you need to be in order to succeed. Also, if you’re an extrovert – there’s plenty in there to learn about yourself too.
Of course if you aren’t sure if you’re more of an introvert/extrovert, Cain provides a quick 20 question quiz to help you identify your personality type.
This book takes you through the theories of how extroversion became the gold standard for success in America to how we can better serve our quiet coworkers, children and friends.
Some of My Favorite Takeaways:
- Imagine the world without introverts
- Extroversion is more prominent in America because most American’s descend from immigrants. (Aka, individuals willing to sail across the sea aren’t typically homebodies ?.)
- Collaboration can squash creativity – we need time and space to think in order to create.
- The fear of public speaking may come from thousands of years of evolution urging us to run when being watched closely.
- “One theory, based on the writings of the sociobiologist E.O. Wilson, holds that when our ancestors lived on the savannah, being watched intently meant only one thing: a wild animal was stalking us. And when we think we’re about to be eaten, do we stand tall and hold forth confidently? No. We run” (Cain 315).
- Extroverts’ dopamine pathways appear to be more active than introverts and they tend to experience more pleasure and excitement.
- This sounds like a great thing for extroverts! However, extroverts may be at a disadvantage. They could be blinded by the dopamine high and not see the potential consequences ahead.
- Introverted children will be more confident when they are allowed to experience new situations/people gradually rather than all at once or never at all.
- Cain points out that it’s easier for introverted kids to arrive first at birthday parties because it helps them feel as though others are joining them vs. feeling as though they have to break into a preexisting group.
Have you read it? If so, let us know what you thought and share your favorite takeaways!
(P.S. Speaking of introverts and thinkers, check out Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday. Holiday uses Stoic philosophy and modern-day examples to point out how Stillness is most often the best course of action.)
