Which benefits come with being an introvert? At least one-third of the people we know are of this group. These are the people who would rather listen than talk; who want to work alone rather than in groups; who are creative and innovative but detest self-promotion.
Many of the noteworthy contributions to society are due to introverts, such as Steve Wozniak, Dr. Seuss, Chopin, and Rosa Parks. Susan Cain makes the case in Quiet that introverts are significantly undervalued and illustrates the consequences of this. She examines the extent to which the Extrovert Ideal has influenced our culture and follows its ascent over the 20th century.
She also presents us with successful introverts, such as a record-breaking salesman who subtly harnesses the power of questioning and a humorous, high-octane public speaker who rejuvenates in isolation after his lectures. Dedicatedly argued, meticulously researched, and chock-full of unforgettable anecdotes from actual people, Quiet has the capacity to alter your self-perception forever.
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About the Author
QUIET: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking and BITTERSWEET: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole are two of Susan Cain’s best-selling books in the New York Times. Over the past two decades, she has dedicated herself to studying a certain facet of human nature: the reserved, the sensitive, the reflective, and the bittersweet.
She has always felt that this way of being may lead to a deeper, more profound kind of happiness, as do her millions of readers. Susan’s books have been translated into more than 40 languages, and her TED lectures have had over 50 million views on YouTube and TED combined.
A Quiet Life in Seven Steps, the Audible series, and the online community QUIET LIFE are all hosted by Susan. Join her at TheQuietLife dot net on Substack.
Review
A significant book that ought to inspire anyone who has ever been told to speak up!”— Individuals
For educators and parents of introverts, Cain provides a plethora of helpful guidance. Quiet should be of interest to everyone who is curious in the behavior of the person in the next cubicle or who cares about how people think, work, and get along. For introverts (or their parents) who need a boost to their self-esteem, it ought to be essential reading.—Good fortune
An insightful and rich book… enlightening.” —The Journal of Wall Street
Charm and charisma may be one beau ideal, but Cain makes a compelling case for the advantages of reserve, supported by excellent research and her typical savvy.”Harper’s Bazaar
A clever, vivacious book that makes you want to shout from the rooftops about the importance of solitude and quiet.” Rather than tweeting about it, Quiet offers an interesting and perceptive peek into the thoughts and feelings of those who are making a difference in the world. Daniel Gilbert, Harvard University psychology professor and author of Stumbling on Happiness
The material in this book was enlightening and beneficial to me as an introvert who is frequently expected to act like an extrovert. Susan Cain explores the benefits and potentials of introversion and being silent in a loud environment using several case studies and neuroscientific research. —Healthy Aging and Spontaneous Happiness author Andrew Weil
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After reading Susan Cain’s beautiful and well-documented ode to introversion, those who value a quiet, contemplative life will feel a weight lifted off their shoulders—and they won’t feel bad or inferior for having made the right decision any more.” Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Claremont Graduate University’s Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Management and author of Flow
The many extremely sensitive people who are also introverted will benefit greatly from Susan Cain’s excellent effort of sorting through decades of intricate study on extroversion, sensitivity, and introversion. — The Highly Sensitive Person author Elaine Aron
Quiet celebrates and legitimises the ‘niche’ that comprises half of the world’s population.” —Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions author Guy Kawasaki
Susan Cain is credited with defining a novel and worthwhile worldview. In this poignant and innovative argument, she argues that our culture’s overemphasis on extroversion is causing us to lose vast reservoirs of creativity and vision. A shocking, significant, and readable page-turner that will completely change the way silent people view themselves. —The Beauty Myth’s author, Naomi Wolf
In our externally focused world, Quiet takes the discussion about introverts to a whole new level. I believe that a lot of introverts will find that they have been waiting for this book their entire lives, even if they were unaware of it. The author of Introverts in the Church, Adam S. McHugh
Solitude is socially constructive. Gentleness is powerful… Among the numerous reasons to take Quiet to a quiet place and absorb its clever, thought-provoking message are these significant counterintuitive notions. —Think Outside the Building author and Harvard Business School professor Rosemary Moss Kanter
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To all the universe’s glad-handing, back-slapping, and brainstorming experts out there: Take a break from networking and conversation for a while and read this book. The reflective introverts of the world who recognize that difficult problems require careful thought and who know that it’s a good idea to know what you want to say before you open your mouth are the listeners and thinkers Susan Cain eloquently and powerfully extols in Quiet. —The Paradox of Choice author Barry Schwartz
A fascinating and possibly transformative analysis of the human psyche that will be advantageous to introverts and extroverts alike.” —Kirkus Reviews (review with stars)
Cain dispels myths and provides great pictures of a variety of introverts. By providing individual biographies, examining establishments that are dominated by extroverts (like Harvard Business School) and introverts (like a West Coast retreat facility), and reporting on the most recent research, Cain continuously captures the reader’s attention. Her hard work, study, and enthusiasm for this significant subject have paid off well. —Publishers Weekly
This book is enjoyable to read and will challenge both extroverts and introverts to consider how to be authentic and engage with people of different personality types.” —The Library Journal
A perceptive and frequently unexpected examination of our identity.” List of books.
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Summary
I found this book to be really fascinating. From start to finish, it was engaging, and I could identify with a lot of the content. It is well-written and clever. The many arguments Mrs. Cain makes throughout the book are all quite evident, and she cites a variety of fascinating sources. Everyone who wants to understand what goes on in their inner world should read this book.
The only potential drawback I can think of for certain readers is that this book might be interpreted as an ego boost to defend the “status” of an introvert and justify doing nothing about the challenges and failures that come with being an introvert.
Instead than limiting the reader’s perspective, this book aims to broaden it. Sadly, I know some individuals who use this information as a shield and an excuse to avoid dealing with their problems, and I do believe that many more will feel the same way.