Book Review: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
Nareen Luz Rivas
Posted on May 8, 2012
In February I wrote a post titled “Photographers. Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?” I wrote the post after reading a Time magazine article based on Susan Cain’s new book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. So intrigued was I by this book that I got myself a copy from the library. Well now I know why Quiet generated such a storm (pun intended). Susan Cain’s book is a tribute to introverts everywhere. She sheds light as to how and why the U.S. has become a country of extroverts, visits Harvard Business School to learn a great deal as to what kind of students make up its student body, and attends and gives an amusing observational account of a Tony Robbins seminar.
I’m probably throwing myself under a bus (career wise) for writing the next part, but as a teacher I was never a big advocate of students sitting in groups and constantly working together and the reasons why are better explained in Ms. Cain’s chapter “When Collaboration Kills Creativity”. In this chapter she talks about how open floor plans and working in groups in the workforce can actually stifle creativity. Her chapter on the qualities of introverted and extroverted leaders (hint: employers please read this chapter) is a must read. Ms. Cain’s book also contains the latest psychological research and neuroscientific information illustrating the biological differences between introverts and extroverts. She discusses the latest Wall Street Crash, Asian-Americans students who change their introverted style in order to fit in with their classmates and even professors. She also includes in her book poignant anecdotes of people such as Steve Wozniak, Eleanor Roosevelt, Warren Buffet and quiet leaders who fly under the radar.
For those of you who find yourself in a May-December relationship the chapter on The Communication Gap is a must read. Personally, I found page 230 in which she describes the arguing styles of Celia and Greg (a couple in which one is an introvert and the other an extrovert) hit the hammer on the nail as to what happens when two people who are on opposite ends of the temperament spectrum find themselves locked in an argument. If nothing else read this chapter. It will save you tons of money on therapy.
Quiet also talks about introverted children and how as a parent you can fortify and strengthen this quality. So many times it’s the extroverted kids that get all the accolades and many times the quiet types are marginalized. Also, in this day and age of big stakes testing that is taking place in schools and in which testing for speed and accuracy is surpassing deep, critical thinking skills I sometimes wonder how introverted children, who for the most part process information at a slower but by no means less accurate pace, fare out on these exams?
Extroverts, don’t feel left out in Ms. Cain’s book. She lets the reader know through her own personal accounts how extroverts and introverts complement one another and how we need both temperaments to make our world go round, but in the end, her book is about celebrating the strengths, unique perspectives and innovations of introverts. Quiet is a book that is long overdue, but thankfully Ms. Cain came along and in her quiet, graceful and articulate way gave us a book that is a must read on everyone’s reading list. For extroverts and introverts alike.
Tagged: Asian American students, Asian Americans, book, books, collaboration, creativity, culture, Eleanor Roosevelt, introvert, introverts, leadership, literature, non-fiction, Quiet, Quiet: The Power of Introverts In a World that Can't Stop Talking, review, reviews, Susan Cain, TIME magazine, Warren Buffet, workplace
I am going to read this book! You’ve sold me this book, and to be honest you’ve always recommended great thought-provoking books. Thanks..
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Thank you for the generous compliment. I do think you would really like it.
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Morning Nareen: As you know, I’m an extrovert and an “overly(?)-relationship-oriented” woman. When I’m anxious, I simply chatter and often stop listening [working on this]. I’m also working on sitting in silence although meditating remains challenging for me. Not to counter nor accept categorizing people into specifically defined groupings, but how about a multi-temperamental, kaleidoscope paradigm? I don’t think you even touched your brilliant career, by the way. I’ll be checking out QUIET. Maddy
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Hi Maddy.
I always appreciate and look forward to reading your comments. As an extrovert I totally get the talking when anxious bit. I’m a walking example of sometimes saying the wrong thing and then saying 5 more wrong things after that! Kind of like being in church and wanting to scream because it’s soooo quiet. The meditation thing is difficult. I’ve tried it and sometimes can achieve a level of zen, but usually I end up falling asleep : ) I find my “meditation” happens when I’m hiking and surrounded by nature ( I can’t fall asleep if I think a mountain lion is going jump out at me LOL).
Susan Cain does discuss acquiring a more extroverted persona and vice versa during certain situations.
If you have any insight into what my brilliant career path ought to be I would love to hear your insight because I’ve been trying to figure this one out for a long time
: ) Nareen
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El analisis que haces sobre el libro es interesante. Gracias por tu recomendacion, empezare a leerlo en esta semana.
Glenda
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Wow, just in your synopsis I find I must read this book. Thanks for sharing! 😉
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Thank you so much Shez! It really is a great read. Would love to hear what you think about it after you’ve read it.
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I am an introvert but cant stop talking
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Jenny. You are too funny : )
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Always getting in trouble 😉
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Oh, it’s good to know there are more of us who are “biverted.” I prefer alone with peace and quiet to big crowds, but love smaller groups full of laughter and fun. I am working hard on at least not saying anything until both my mouth and brain are in gear. Together. At the same time. 😉
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“Biverted” I like that. I’m in the same boat. Sometimes I’m quiet as a mouse and other times my mouth races ahead of my brain and I have to ask myself “did I just say that aloud?!” ; )
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After thinking about that, I think it should be bitroverted.
Right??
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: )
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