This book caused the quiet revolution to fire up around the world. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking is a New York Times bestseller book written by American author Susan Cain. Quiet is an eye-opening, written eloquently and persuasively, both psychologically and socially accurate. It defines the oft-used term “introvert” and “extrovert” and shines the spotlight on the oft-overlooked former. Introverts recharge in solitude than socializing and are often accused of being in their own heads too much. Quiet encourages introverts to use their talents and superpowers instilled in their quiet nature and proves her point with many introverts who changed the world by doing so.
Though it may not necessarily appear so, at least one in three people you know are introverts. The term “introverted” is often carelessly interpreted as “antisocial” “shy” or “misanthropic”. While it’s true that introverts can sometimes be those things, it is a mistake to assume all introverts are. Contrary to popular belief, introverts can be calm, confident, and unafraid to stand up for themselves; extroverts can be anxious and insecure under their witty, vibrant exterior. Shyness is the “fear of social disapproval or humiliation” and can occur in extroverts just as much as in introverts.
A personality is too much of a complexity to coolly classify as a single type. There is no such thing as a “pure introvert” or “pure extrovert” because as humans, we consist of different natures, tendencies, backgrounds, traditions, and morals. As Cain puts it reasonably, “we can’t say that every introvert is a bookworm or every extrovert wears lampshades at parties any more than we can say that every woman is a natural consensus-builder and every man loves contact sports”. Maybe your popular, energetic best friend recharges in “alone time” after every party she attends. Maybe your shy classmate is full of humor and zest inside. We are all unique and complex individuals, and it is perfectly normal to be frequently discovering new aspects to your character.
Introverts are typically overlooked or dismissed due to their quiet, conflict-avoiding natures. They are frequently overshadowed as they tend to keep quiet about their achievements. In today’s interaction-oriented society, introversion can easily be seen as a hindrance to overcome, a personality to change, even a curse to escape from. This book is enough to slowly but steadily change those negative thoughts. Introversion has many powers and when tapped into, can change the world—literally. Bill Gates is an introvert. So was Rosa Parks. So were Sir Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Frédéric Chopin, Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss), Steve Wozniak, George Orwell, Steven Spielberg, J. K. Rowling, and so many other individuals who, by making full use of their introspective, creative natures, influenced thousands of people through an act of bravery, scientific theories, mathematical equations, wonderful books, amazing films, stunning music, and innovative companies.
Throughout the book, Cain follows the evolution of the Extrovert Ideal through history. Especially in the 1920s, the ideal person had a “masterful personality”: magnetic, glowing, dominant, energetic. This Extrovert Ideal has evolved slightly yet is still lurking in most places we see: school, workplaces, social media, companies, books and films. The Ideal projects, implicitly or explicitly, the idea that we should all strive to be that attractive, extroverted person, bursting with confidence. The Extrovert Ideal is more dangerous than we think: young introverts are raised to believe that a charming, gregarious personality is what they should strive to attain, that their introspective and thoughtful personalities are inferior and useless. Through real figures and statistics, Cain proves that, contrary to the Extrovert Ideal, the most successful companies of the century were led by mild-mannered, humble individuals, yet driven by an intense grit and focus. Introverts can be both loyal workers, powerful leaders, and dazzlingly successful achievers, not in spite of their quiet nature, but because of it.
Introverts are just as capable of leading a group of people and making decisions as extroverts are—and possess additional qualities. Introverts listen to others, thus strengthening the teamwork between members. Introverts are always willing to let others take the spotlight as they have a basically humble attitude. Because they are brilliant thinkers if not brilliant speakers, they have a clear goal in mind as well as the passion to pursue it. Because they are always thinking, they tend to have big dreams, depth of thought, and a clear-cut passion. Because they’re typically the “odd one out” and spend less time with a crowd, they tend to be the one with ideas that goes against a social belief, coming up with a whole new point of view. Introverts love to work away at problems in the solitude of their own room and are more likely to stay home reading than attend a raucous party at someone’s home.
When introverts are able to fully embrace their strengths and use them, relationships can flourish as well as achievements. With their sensitivity and empathy, extroverts tend to seek the quiet friends when they are upset—people they can count on for gentle understanding instead of a torrent of reproach of some sort. Introverts tend to dislike small talk, which frequently makes them seem aloof and distant—but they crave in-depth, genuine conversations about topics they care about. Introverts can conquer their social fear through their passions. Less reward-oriented than extroverts, introverts are satisfied with a deep friendship with a single person instead of a large, energetic group of friends. Introverts may be difficult to get to open up, but once they do, they have so much to give.
None of this to say that introverts are better than extroverts. That is untrue. However, the idea of extroverts being better than introverts is equally untrue, yet it is the belief held in many people’s minds. To change this, extroverts, respect the privacy and solitude introverts require, appreciate their depth and willingness to listen—and always remember that introverts greatly admire and treasure your vivacious nature, effortless charm, and ability to warm the atmosphere. Introverts, remember that your quiet nature is a strength to help you succeed, not a curse; embrace your talents and use them. It’s all right to skip parties to recharge in solitude. Look for new challenges and ways to expand your comfort zone, but remember to stay true to your temperament. Finally, remember that “quiet strength” is not an oxymoron.
(Published in The Sequitur, March 2019, Westdale Secondary School, Hamilton, ON)
