Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking is a book about introverts, for both introverts and extroverts. It strives to bolster pride in introverts and encourage understanding from extroverts. Introverts have made their mark in the world, even if you'll never catch them bragging about it. From artists to scientists to some of the greatest minds of the technological age, introverts have helped to shape the way the world is today. This is especially true in the arts and sciences.
Quiet attempts to sort out how extroverted personalities became the ideal in the 20th century, and how this has affected how society views introverts and how introverts see themselves. It talks of "pretend extroverts," a frequent occurrence among introverts as a reaction to feeling that their personality type is inferior. The book takes a look at both side of the human psyche through profiles of individuals, scientific studies and a look at Harvard Business school and a West Coast retreat center. Harvard plays the extrovert foil for the introverted people of the retreat center.
According to Quiet, introverts do not need to feel like they have something wrong with them, or that they need to live up to the expectations of an extroverted world. Instead, they should be proud of the roles where their personality type is needed. The book compares the societal contributions of both Bill Gates and Bill Clinton while contrasting their personality traits. It discusses how introverts such as Gates are necessary in advancing the arts and sciences.
Quiet author Susan Cain attended Princeton University then Harvard Law School. She served as a Wall Street attorney for several years and ran a consulting firm called The Negotiation Company. An introvert herself, however, Cain decided a quieter life as a writer was for her. Quiet, her first book, was published in 2012.
"Probably one of the most important and influential books I have ever read. A thoughtful study of introversion and extroversion which really helped me to understand the introverts & extroverts in my life and how and why we react differently. The author analyses the cult of extroversism ( my neologism?) and shows the power of quietly spoken, thoughtful people. A must read for extroverts and introverts alike!"
—
Elaine (5 out of 5 stars)