Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Goodreads: Quiet

Source: Borrowed

Published: 2012

Review: Cain offers an interesting and informative look at the ways in which America has cultivated what she calls the “Extrovert Ideal”—a belief that the talkative and outgoing possess more intelligence and generate better ideas than those who prefer quiet and solitude.  In response, she argues that introverts have contributed valuable art, literature, and research to the world, all through utilizing their own unique skills.  To support her claims, she offers the results of studies indicating that solitude is requisite for the deep studying needed for success in many fields, that introverts have an edge in university, and more.  Her conclusions will not surprise those introverts aware of their own abilities, but may provide encouragement to those who have been conditioned by well-intentioned family, friends, or even educators to believe that there is something inherently wrong with them for preferring small group settings to large parties or for choosing silence over speech.

Because Quiet tries to address so many issues, however, it often seems to address no audience in particular.  Cain encourages her readers to take away only those parts which pertain to them, so, for example, those introverts who are not shy (the distinction will be welcome to many) need not worry about the chapters pertaining to those who are.  Still, the leaps from sensitivity to shyness to cultural expectations about extroversion and introversion (focused mainly on Asian Americans) make the read a little disjointed.  One topic will just start to prove particularly engrossing when another replaces it.

Despite the seeming disjointedness, however, Quiet remains a valuable resource for many—educators, business leaders, parents, and extroverts seeking to understand the introverts in their lives.  Those introverts who feel judged for not speaking up in class or meetings, or who are tired of seeing their good ideas passed over because they could not outtalk the other members in their groups will have the information they need not only to boost their confidence but also to educate others about the value of their skills.  But perhaps the best advice Quiet offers is that the book should not be read as an affirmation of introversion over extroversion.  Rather, Cain, posits, both extroverts and introverts are needed to make the world work.