Quiet
The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
Ratings440
Average rating4
Shhh! Hey, c'mere. I know, I know, I'm whispering, but you have to when you are talking about a book like this. Quiet. It's called Quiet. And it's a book about all the amazing people out there, doing amazing work, but who aren't In-Your-Face people. We forget about these people. We have, as a society, Cain writes, come to believe that everyone who is anyone is an extrovert. Cain speaks up for the quiet people, reminding us of all those who have been and are doing their quiet work, who have and are living their quiet lives, who have and are quietly eating and drinking and shopping and reading books. Being an introvert is not bad, she proclaims. Quietly, of course.
It seems the introvert, much like the geek, has garnered favour over the years. Even the the word itself is less a pejorative than it once was. Of course I'm on the internet, posting on a website focused on books ...maybe I'm experiencing a slight group bias.
Beyond these bookish walls it's clear we celebrate the Cult of Personality. TV hammers the idea home with outsized personalities armed with witty rejoinders while the news seems to adhere to the adage “he with the loudest voice wins”.
In the office we foster brainstorming, team rooms and open concept work environments.
At school we wring our hands if little Johnny prefers to be by himself while teachers preach “participation” with grouped desks and team work.
We're doing it wrong. When a good third to half of the world is made of introverts maybe it's time we go back to the honouring character instead of charisma, working in solitude, and appreciating quiet introspection. This isn't about being shy - being an introvert is all about how you respond to stimulation - especially social stimulation. Introverts can hold a room, speak to the masses, make their points heard - they just need to carve out some space to recuperate all that spent social capital.
So what's not to like about a book championing the thoughtful, bookish and unassuming with an entire chapter devoted to Asian deference? Susan Cain is one of us and you can't help but find yourself on the page.
A very nicely written book, especially for someone like me who has desperately tried to act like an extrovert the majority of my life. There are some good hints in here for maximizing potential that explained things I did already but explained why I did them. For example, why after socializing for a weekend I feel like I've been hit by a bus. Socializing with people literally sucks the energy right out of me. Some parts did get slightly preachy, and she does speak about introversion and extroversion dynamics as if those are the only two qualities that can harm a relationship, but overall it was a good read. I highly recommend it for anyone who has ever had to defend their right to be alone to their friends.
Not sure what I was expecting, but this wasn't it. It was better; much better. Well written in a quiet (what else?) but gripping voice, [a:Cain 4101935 Susan Cain http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1315319296p2/4101935.jpg] skilfully lets us see the worlds of introverts and extroverts... in ways that I think both will understand. (Speaking as the former, I believe I have a much better understanding of the latter. As well as of my own self). New information about personality styles, how early they manifest, tools for remaining true to oneself, and perhaps most importantly advice on communicating and empathizing with the other type.Well researched and documented. Interesting and illuminating anecdotes. And throughout it all a tone of compassion and even curiosity. I was not expecting to learn so much or enjoy it so much. I feel surprised to say this, but this is one of those rare books that I think I'll be recommending to nearly everyone.
A deeply touching look at introversion, introverts, and the way western culture devalues our strengths. I strongly recommend it to anyone who is an introvert or who loves or works with introverts.
Some very interesting insights in to the nature and nurture of introverts.