I had my eye on this book for a while ago and I finally read and finished the book the other week. I actually saw her Ted Talk about her book first which goes down as one of my favourite Ted Talks. I was interested to read the book as I felt it struck a cord with me. Why is introversion so frowned upon? Why is it that we must talk all the time even though sometimes we really have no idea of what we’re are saying or at least the consequences of what we may not really know? Why is quiet wrong?
“Extroversion is an enormously appealing personality style, but we’ve turned it into an oppressive standard to which most of us feel we must conform.”
It’s OK to Be Quiet
I loved reading this book and felt comforted in that it is ok to be quiet. It is ok to be alone and work alone sometimes. I feel that introverts are quick to get labelled. They’re not friendly. They’re not a leader. So on and so forth. When really all it is personal preference. An “introvert” is no less likely to be a leader. No less likely to be intelligent. No less likely to have any friends. It’s all just done in a different way. Shy and quiet are two very different things as Susan Cain explains in the book.
Extrovert or Introvert
In her book Cain explore the more cultural norms of today and some of the differences between extroverts and introverts. Although it’s more likely there is a mix of both in all of us. People like Gandhi and Steve Wozniak of Apple are mentioned in the book who encourage the quieter disposition that they took and encourage others to do the same. They attributed their quietness with getting them where they had got to in life.
When people are telling you should be acting more outgoing or differently because it seems they’re uncomfortable with how you are you begin to wonder. Quiet reveals the layers on people who are deemed to be more talkative that’s it ok not to be. As long as you are being you. It also sheds light on how we as quiet people can be unaware of how our silence might be hurtful to those closest to us. So if you are quiet or are the complete opposite, trying to figure out someone close to you who is a little more guarded get this book!
Creative Introverts
A majority of introverts are considered more of the creative types and tend to express their thoughts and personalities elsewhere. Like writing, painting and might be more comfortable expressing themselves online through a blog or a video. Counter intuitive you think? Yes and no. Here’s a funny video from Evelyn From the Internets about people calling her “shy”. In which I related to every single word!
Do you get called shy or quiet? Let me know your thoughts below.
- 10 Unique Ways To Setup Living Room Without Sofa
- Marble vs Quartz Countertops: Pros and Cons Ultimate Guide
- 35 Best Nightstand Organizer Picks To Keep Clutter At Bay
- 13 Chic Tips For French Parisian Style Bedroom
- 5 Amazing Advantages Of A Kitchen No Upper Cabinets
No Comments