Susan Cain's 'Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking' is an excellently well written, intelligent, and highly articulate look into the differing chemistry between introverts and extroverts. Cain looks at the 'Extrovert Ideal', an idea at the forefront of Western culture, an idea that dominates over introversion, an idea that sees introversion as an inferior temperament. Traits like shyness, sensitivity and seriousness are deemed negative, making introverts feel like they are disappointments. Cain's look into brain chemistry between the two temperaments demonstrates the different preferences for different levels of stimulation. She also demonstrates how society misunderstands and undervalues introverts. She is able to give introverts the advice to better understand themselves, providing the tools that allow introverts to fully take advantage of their strengths.
Cain's areas of research include psychology, biology and neuroscience and she explains that we are born with a temperament that is at the core of human identity. Yet because of the ever growing pressure to "not be shy" and "come of your shell", introverts have adapted a way to survive, masking themselves as extroverts - an idea that is known as pseudo-extroversion. However, Cain's research aims to demonstrate that introversion is more common than you think, that the introvert/extrovert divide is a fundamental aspect of personality, as her research shows that one in three people are introverts. Cain also explains that some of mankind's most creative, successful and distinguished individuals were introverts. Without these people, we wouldn't have the Apple computer, Harry Potter, Google, the theory of gravity, the theory of relativity, Peter Pan and Van Gogh's sunflowers.
As an introvert myself, I found Cain's book an extremely insightful read and changed the way I saw myself. I now understand myself better and know that it's okay that I spend so much time inside my own head. Cain is leading a Quiet Revolution, and this book will definitely help society understand and value introverts. It is an excellent read which is well argued, I would definitely recommend it.
"...I also believe that introversion is my greatest strength. I have such a strong inner life that I'm never bored and only occasionally lonely. No matter what mayhem is happening around me, I know I can always turn inward."
Reviewed by Brogan Wilson
