Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

This was a fascinating read on introverts which was well written and researched. The look at the influence of modern business culture and all of the ways it makes life uncomfortable for introverts without any real benefits was enlightening. Full of personal stories, first hand interviews and discussion of the latest scientific and psychological research on the differences between introverts and extroverts to put the traits discussed in context. Cain is a former corporate lawyer and consultant and this book contains lots of advice on how best utilize your own personality traits, work with others and how to understand and guide your introverted children to be as happy and productive as possible. I was inspired by this book to pay more attention to my behavior the behavior of those around me and recognize the power of introverts (and extroverts).
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After several attempts to start and finish this book, I finally managed to get a hard copy and read through it one afternoon. If you are an introvert, or are trying to relate to an introvert (and there are more of them out there than you realize), this is a must-read.

Cain addresses several facets of introversion, looking first at the evolution of the extrovert ideal; examining historical examples, the idea of charisma, the emphasis on collaboration and sharing ideas in brainstorming sessions, and relates some surprising research on the efficacy of these. She takes a fascinating look at the role of nature and nurture in forming an introvert, discussing psychology, personality, and biology. She looks at high-context Asian culture, and how introverts and extroverts are viewed differently through the lens of non-western societies. The final section is devoted to learning how introverts and extroverts relate to one another, providing insight on ways to communicate, work together, be in relationships and families and work groups.

I already knew many of the things about introversion that Cain wrote about, but found myself nodding my head with all the things she writes about how we need to understand our stimulus level, especially how most introverts know that they need time alone or in quiet places to recharge, but that they also have a tendency to gravitate to understimulation and isolating themselves, which leads to boredom and depression. I have found this to be very true, but wasn't able to really explain it until reading this book. ( )

This is a wonderful book about some of the science and culture surrounding introversion and extroversion. In particular, Cain looks at the undercurrent of the "Extrovert Ideal" of modern Western society, and debunks it of its seeming omnipresence. Make no mistake, the book is neither a glorification of introversion nor a condemnation of extroversion. It is more of an account of observations, anecdotes, research, and applicable tips to appreciate and navigate the spectrum of introversion and extroversion.

Don't take my word for it. ( )

Quiet is a book about introversion for people that don't understand it. It is also a book about how lack of knowledge about introversion can be costly.

The author comes from an American background, and claims that USA is the most extremely extrovert country there is. That might be true, and the arguments are very convincing. She further claims that by focusing so much on extreme extrovert skills, it's easy to lose people that are extremely skilled or good, but just doesn't want or can play by the gregarious American rules.

As a self-diagnosed introvert (if anyone cares), with many friends with similar traits, a lot of the book is "I know this already". If anything the book is more of a reassurance: "Other people also know this".

Quick summary of things I hope people know even before reading the book:

* Some people with bright ideas will not push to present those ideas even if they believe they are superior.

* Some people with nothing to say will talk a lot, and do it well.

* Some people will enjoy lots of people around them.

* Some people need to be in a calm environment to recharge batteries.

* When handling introvert children, don't force them to do things that will give them traumatic experiences.

* Many of history's most successful and famous people were introverts (because many introverts have the toolbox to become extremely skilled at something).

New facts, to me, were:

* There is a connection between genetic sensory sensitivity and introversion. Higher sensitivity to sensory input, more likely to develop introvert traits. Funnily enough high sensitivity often results in a baby that loves and reacts well to other people but somewhere along the line the person decides that enough is enough.

* Many introvert people are skilled politicians, speakers, presenters, because they want to, and know how to withdraw to some solitary place to recover. Brian Little and Barack Obama are listed here, but I think it goes for a lot of successful people.

* Extrovert managers are better at leading reluctant or ignorant employees. Introvert managers are better at leading proactive and motivated employees.

My negative criticism of the book is that it's painting a picture that seems a bit too white or black. People are not always one or the other, so like with so many rubber stamps, it might prevent people from looking at individuals behind the "diagnose". I also suspect it preaches a lot to the converts. People that are ignorant about all the strengths introvert people often develop, won't pick up this book.
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It was a good book, but full of repetition and could have been shorter if organized differently. However, there were insights into how our society honors extroversion that I hadn't thought of before and that was really eye-opening for me.

I think that if I hadn't known before this book that I am an introvert, I would have liked it more and that if I was an extrovert, it would have helped me better understand "the others". So, worth a read if you're curious about the topic, but not Earth-shattering if you have already explored the differences of the I and E of your Meyers-Briggs score. ( )