Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over working in teams. It is to introverts—Rosa Parks, Chopin, Dr. Seuss, Steve Wozniak—that we owe many of the great contributions to society.
In Quiet, Susan Cain argues that we dramatically undervalue introverts and shows how much we lose in doing so. She charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal throughout the twentieth century and explores how deeply it has come to permeate our culture. She also introduces us to successful introverts–from a witty, high-octane public speaker who recharges in solitude after his talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions. Passionately argued, superbly researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet has the power to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how they see themselves.
Today we make room for a remarkably narrow range of personality styles. Weʼre told that to be great is to be bold, to be happy is to be sociable. We see ourselves as a nation of extroverts—which means that weʼve lost sight of who we really are.
If you are an introvert, you need to read this book. If you have an introvert in your life, you need to read this book. Introverts will learn so much about themselves, and extroverts will be able to better understand introverts.
Being an introverts has always been something I was self conscious about. My entire life I have been told I am quiet, shy, etc. I always saw this as a bad thing and wished I was more of a extrovert.
In Quiet, Cain shares extensive research behind why being an introvert is something to embrace and teaches the reader how to use it to their advantage whether in the workplace or in their personal lives. I found the chapters of navigating relationships between extroverts and introverts to be particularly interesting!
I can not remember the last time I have walked away from a book feeling so empowered. There were so many passages that I have highlighted and saved for reference. I am surrounded by introverts in my real life and I want to put this book into all their hands. I truly think it can be life changing for some readers.
Have you read Quiet? Do you consider yourself more of an introvert or an extrovert?
This has been on my TBR for a long time! I’m definitely an introvert. Although I think of myself as a social introvert! 😍😂
I would be curious to see what you think! Breaks a lot of myths about what it means to be an introvert.
I’ve read Quiet and, like you, I came away from it feeling incredibly empowered. Before then, I felt like I had to fake being an extrovert in order to be successful but this book allowed me to push those thoughts away and embrace my introversion. And I think it’s working out for me so far!
I had the exact same feelings. Glad it’s working for you!
I absolutely loved this book and felt seen as an introvert.
Exactly! So good.
I remember reading this after listening to her amazing TED talk (have you seen it? It’s great!) and finding it a bit disappointing. However, I don’t think I was fair to it, as I read it at a time when I wasn’t into reading as much and had exceedingly high expectations of it.
I’d like to give this another, proper read and I think, after reading your review, I’m looking forward to it much more and will push it up on my TBR.
I’m an introvert too, btw 🙂
I haven’t. I will hace to watch that tonight.
I would be curious to see what you think upon a reread!
We introverts must stick together!
This one was empowering to me too. It made me feel okay to be introverted since much of my childhood was spent having people telling me to be more outgoing. It’s interesting, but now I consider myself an ambivert because I’ve developed some extrovert tendencies in the past couple years.
I love that. It’s amazing how many people were ashamed of being an introvert.
I’m an extrovert and learned many, many years ago the value of surrounding myself with introverts. They provide me with a much needed balance and perspective and taught me how to listen. Thanks for featuring this book and I’m even more thrilled that it made you feel better about yourself💜
Aw thanks. I think that’s great! It’s like how I enjoy being arond extroverts. They can push me out of my shell!
I’m definitely an introvert, and have had a copy of this book on my shelf for a couple of years. I’m so happy to read your review! I need to make time for this book ASAP. I’m glad to hear it left you feeling so empowered.
Yes! I would love to hear what you think. I hope you have the same experience!
Excellent review, I really want to read this! I’m so glad you found it empowering.
It’s such a great one!!
I loved this review! It was very helpful. I added the book to my reading list! I’m trying to start a blog myself, is there any advice you could give me? I’d really appreciate it! Thank you!
It’s such a great book! My main advice is to be true to yourself. It took me awhile to find my voice but I have grown so much through blogging. Readers want to see your personality more than anything!
Thanks very much!!