We all know that extroverts are the life of the party and introverts would rather stay home. But what most people don’t realize is that introversion is actually a power, not a deficiency. Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, makes this case impressively by delving into history, science, and psychology. Cain starts by painting an interesting picture depicting the differences between how American society traditionally values outgoingness over reserve. She shows how our economy rewards those who are gregarious and dominant while punishing those who prefer listening to speaking or working on their own. From there she provides a wealth of scientific evidence demonstrating why introversion should not be seen as inferior but instead celebrated for its many strengths – including high-level thinking abilities, creativity, deep empathy,…
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone who wants to understand the power of introversion and how it can be used to achieve great things.
Pros :
- The book is well-researched, with a large body of evidence to support the claims made
- The author has a clear writing style that makes complex concepts easy to understand
- The book offers ways to help introverts flourish in an extroverted world
Cons :
- Too much scientific detail
- May be dry for some readers
- Pushes the idea that introversion is a superpower to an extreme
Learn more about the author
Susan Cain is a former corporate lawyer and negotiations consultant who became a writer after she realized that her introverted nature was not the liability she once thought it was. She has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, NPR’s All Things Considered and Marketplace, among other programs. Her writing has been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, TIME Magazine, Washington Post Magazine,, O magazine ,and Psychology Today .
Reader Reviews
“This book opened my eyes. As an introvert, I realized that I have been trying to change myself for years when really there’s nothing wrong with me. It has made me more accepting of myself and given me the courage to be quieter in social situations without feeling like I’m missing out.”
“An excellent, well-researched book that will make introverts and extroverts alike think about the way we interact with the world…Quiet is perfect for anyone who wants to understand themselves and their loved ones better.”
“This book was so insightful! I loved how it debunked the myths about introverts and showed all of the amazing strengths they have. I also appreciated Susan Cain’s suggestions for ways to thrive as an introvert in a world that often values extroversion.”
“Susan Cain’s insightfully written book Quiet should be mandatory reading for anyone who wants to understand the power of introversion and how it is so often misunderstood and undervalued. With rich examples, cogent reasoning, and her own personal journey as an introvert, Cain helps readers appreciate all that quiet people contribute to society and why we need both types of people in the world.”
