(Originally Published 2012, Paperback Edition 273 pages)
Without question, the United States chugs along on the Extrovert Ideal:
gregarious, alpha, and comfortable in the spotlight. Ms. Cain's book is
not an attempt to sully extroverts, but to show that introverts bring
other valuable characteristics to the table that extroverts lack and
should heed. She analyzes our shift from a Culture of Character
(Introvert) to a Culture of Personality (Extrovert) which began with the
success and influence of Dale Carnegie. Then the
self-described-introvert author journeys to other notable domains to
better understand the extrovert mindset. These areas include attending a
Tony Robbins's retreat, the Harvard Business School, and evangelical
minister Rick Warren's campus.
On the flip side, Ms. Cain also visits Cupertino, California which is home to an inordinate amount of academically-minded, introverted Asian-Americans; interviews an introvert professor whose lectures and classes are widely popular on campus; and attends a workshop for introverts to overcome their fear of public speaking or, heck, actually adding their two cents to any group discussion. The author makes many cogent points about how the 2008 financial meltdown could possibly have been avoided if the gung-ho extroverts running the show had listened to the introvert's opinions which are personified in Warren Buffett. She also points out that the school environment of group participation as well as brainstorming business meetings do not work well for our ilk. Even our conflicts with countries such as China can be partly attributed to the extrovert/introvert dynamic. I don't know if the author was aware, but many of the introvert characteristics she covers are also attributable to high-functioning autists.
The book is an easy, enjoyable, informative work. The next-to-last chapter "On Cobblers and Generals," however, I found annoying because it gives recommendations which felt very much like one of those gooey self-help books that women love to eat up like they're hot fudge sundaes. In addition to recently reading the excellent 'The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion' by Jonathan Haidt, 'Quiet' gave me a better perspective of the human condition and how conflicts arise. The book hopefully will help me become a better husband, parent and citizen. If you are like me, an introvert, the author's work will be a great comfort. For extroverts, it likely will be an eyeopener.
On the flip side, Ms. Cain also visits Cupertino, California which is home to an inordinate amount of academically-minded, introverted Asian-Americans; interviews an introvert professor whose lectures and classes are widely popular on campus; and attends a workshop for introverts to overcome their fear of public speaking or, heck, actually adding their two cents to any group discussion. The author makes many cogent points about how the 2008 financial meltdown could possibly have been avoided if the gung-ho extroverts running the show had listened to the introvert's opinions which are personified in Warren Buffett. She also points out that the school environment of group participation as well as brainstorming business meetings do not work well for our ilk. Even our conflicts with countries such as China can be partly attributed to the extrovert/introvert dynamic. I don't know if the author was aware, but many of the introvert characteristics she covers are also attributable to high-functioning autists.
The book is an easy, enjoyable, informative work. The next-to-last chapter "On Cobblers and Generals," however, I found annoying because it gives recommendations which felt very much like one of those gooey self-help books that women love to eat up like they're hot fudge sundaes. In addition to recently reading the excellent 'The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion' by Jonathan Haidt, 'Quiet' gave me a better perspective of the human condition and how conflicts arise. The book hopefully will help me become a better husband, parent and citizen. If you are like me, an introvert, the author's work will be a great comfort. For extroverts, it likely will be an eyeopener.
P.S. THAT is one seriously butt-ugly cover design.
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