Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking - Susan Cain

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Author: Susan Cain

Genre: Nonfiction, Psychology.
Rating: 4.25 stars.

In a Nutshell: Whether you are an extrovert or an introvert or an ambivert, this book will have something to help you understand yourself and those around you, thus creating a beautiful tandem between those who speak and those who just seek to listen.

Quite a few of us are introverts. (In fact, as bookworms, there is a good chance that most of us are introverts.) The constant refrain we hear from the bombastic world around us is: open up more, interact more, get out more. Is introversion a problem that can be “fixed” by forcing extroversion on our personalities? Is this really possible? More importantly, is this really necessary? Do we need more talkers in the world?

Susan Cain raises quite a few thought-provoking points in her debut work. Filled with psychological evidence, real-life anecdotes, and practical wisdom, this book brings up the importance of having introverts in every societal sphere: family, school, enterprises,… As a lifelong introvert, I was mesmerised by the content. There are so many instances where I yelled out a resounding “Yes!” because Cain’s words mirrored what I have felt all these years but never verbalised. Be it team-building exercises in the corporate world or group games in school, praise and worship in church or intermingling at parties with friends and acquaintances, the world is geared towards the extroverted spirit, and introverts are forced to mould themselves into what they are not. Why are introverts pressured into being more extroverted but not the other way around?

Most of the book, obviously, has points in support of introverts. While Cain doesn’t bash extroversion outright, quite a few of her data points show instances where introverts will function and perform far better than extroverts. Such instances have led certain reviewers to call this book “an ode to introversion” and “partial towards introverts.” In all honesty, it is so – it is a book about the value of introverts after all! But we've had enough books telling us about the power of speech and how to be friendly and talk to others and how to let go of shyness. Why can't we finally have a book that also tells us – the “quiet” introverts – that it's okay to be silent and to be yourself, that you are good as you are?

Every para of mine seems to be ending with a question! I guess all my repressed feelings on this topic are finally bursting out. 😂 Seriously though, I am so glad to have found a book that resonated so strongly with my personality type and yet did not dismiss others. Cain questions why, if introversion is not a recommended attribute, it has passed the test of evolution and “survival of the fittest” and still exists in at least one-third of the world’s population. That’s a point to ponder upon for all extroversion advocates!

In a world that just wants to talk more and more with every passing day, let this book be your guide to understand the power not just of silence but also of “silent people”.

(On an aside: ‘Silent’ and ‘Listen’ are anagrams. Is it any wonder that only if you are silent can you listen, truly listen!)

4.25 stars. (Not going higher because the writing tends to drag at times. But it is still being heartily recommended.)

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