Library Picks: ‘Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking’

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

By Susan Cain

It’s not always easy being an introvert in a society such as ours that values the extroverted personality.  Anyone who has ever dreaded yet another group project at school or work, or who has been secretly relieved to spend a quiet evening at home when weekend social plans fall through will take comfort in Susan Cain’s tribute to the often overlooked power of quieter folks. 

Because it’s generally frowned upon to deface library property, I had to resist the urge to underline a plethora of passages that could have been written just about me.  Needs time alone to recharge?  Check.  Often expresses oneself better in writing than speaking aloud?  Check.  Feels drained after being out and about?  Check.  But Cain goes beyond just describing the qualities of introverts and extroverts.  The first half of the book is dedicated to examining the “extrovert ideal” which assumes that effective leaders must have an extroverted temperament.  After exploring the origins of this ideal, Cain makes quick work of debunking the myth, citing as examples the highly capable, yet somewhat reserved Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, among others.  She also presents specific ways in which introverts can thrive in a world that doesn’t always cater to their needs as long as certain conditions are met.  Not only can introverts themselves learn how to tailor their environments for maximum productivity, but the more extroverted employers and family members of introverts would also be well served to read this book to get a better understanding of how to best communicate with introverts and utilize their talents. 

The latter part of the book addresses ways introverts can cope with the challenges that come along with a shy or serious personality.  Since it’s not always possible to avoid public speaking, participating in meetings, or even going to dinner parties, Cain offers advice for when and how introverts should push themselves to exhibit a bit of “pseudo-extroversion.”  She also includes a chapter for parents of introverted children on how to help them succeed in a world that can’t hear them.

It is apparent that a great deal of research went into the crafting of this book.   Cain’s insights not only had me nodding in agreement, but also wondering, ‘why didn’t I ever think of that?’  I have never come across a book on this topic, and I think Quiet will go a long way towards redefining the way we perceive the role of the introvert in our decidedly talkative society.  So if you’ve ever been misjudged as a misfit or misanthrope because you’re a bit shier than most – or if you yourself have misjudged an introvert – I highly recommend this book.