“In a gentle way, you can shake the world”- Mahatma Gandhi
I recently read Quiet by Susan Cain after, quite suddenly, becoming interested in the Introversion/Extroversion comaparison. The first step was following a link to a Jungian personality test a friend had posted on one of the social networking sites. The test identified me as an INFP, which I wrote about in an earlier blog post. Then I remembered another friend mentioning the book online after he read it some time ago. The book sounded interesting to me, so I wrote the author and title down for future reference. I am very glad I read it, because I belive this to be an invaluable book for everyone- introvert and extrovert, alike.
In Western culture, the Extrovert has become the ideal personality. But, as Quiet sites, at least one third of the people you know are Introverts. I believe this number to be significantly higher among my family and friends. So, in catering to the extroverted majority, Western society relegates introverts to the sidelines. One of my favorite sections of the book identifies the contributions of Introverts to the world. Among those are: Rosa Parks, Chrles Schultz, Steven Spielberg, Theodore Geisel, Isaac Newton, and J.K. Rowling. And Cain also discusses the fact that the Extrovert Ideal does not exist in Eastern Culture.
Another section of the book deals with the idea that a quiet, introverted child needs to be “fixed”. The implication being that a child who is not an Extrovert needs to be changed, because being an Introvert is not good enough. I see this often in my daily experience. Also, it is a popular message from the media. The reality is that Introverts need to be appreciated more for our own personalities and our own way of contributing to society.
As I said at the beginning of this review, I believe Quiet to be a book that benefits everyone. Introverts can discover ourselves in its pages. And Extroverts can get some help in understanding how our minds and personalities work. Have you read the book? I welcome your ideas and thoughts about anything in the book, whether I’ve written about it here or not.
jamesdennard.com 
I am also an INFP, and I have to make some time to read this book and The Power of Introverts.
I need to read, “The Power Of Introverts” too, Nancy. Thanks for reminding me 🙂
I loved this book, it was my favorite non-fiction of 2012. I had to laugh at the results of the quiz, because I have long referred to myself as an “ambivert” in a tongue-in-cheek way, and it turns out that’s an actual term.
I’m giving you credit for coming up with that term, Dionne.
I haven’t read the book and thank you for pointing me towards it.
All my life I’ve been dealing with guilt over the fact that I don’t like much dealing with many people and going out in crowds.
That is, I do enjoy it, but when I feel like it, not all the time, and certainly not when something of personal interest to me isn’t happening.
Btw, I feel my introverted personality is also displayed in the fact that I never felt the need to advertise the existence of my blog. 🙂 Those who feel like reading it will find it themselves. 😉
Thanks for your thoughts, Ines. It is the best nonfiction book I have read in a very long time. As I said in the post, everyone would benefit from reading it.
I think this book will help you not feel guilty about wanting to keep to yourself. I am the same way. And I have the same blog philisophy. I wish everyone I know would read, subscribe, and comment. But I don’t feel comfortable asking.
Read this book last spring in hopes of getting a better understanding of my daughter…once into it I began to realize that it was as much about me as it is about her….sometimes I feel as though I live a dual life…. most acquaintances and colleagues see me as outgoing, friendly and demonstrative…yet deep down I would describe myself as an introvert…..I guess I am an “extroverted introvert” who has succumbed to society’s expectations!
After this post I will be ordering the book from the library and re-visiting at a much slower pace 🙂 !!
I’ve been on the fence about reading this book. Your post has persuaded me. I’m going to get it.
I very much look forward to your thoughts on the book, Ansley.
Great review. You certainty do the book justice.
Thanks, Tosha. x