This book demonstrates how introverted people are misunderstood and undervalued in modern culture, charting the rise of extrovert ideology while sharing anecdotal examples of how to use introvert talents to adapt to various situations. At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are
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This book demonstrates how introverted people are misunderstood and undervalued in modern culture, charting the rise of extrovert ideology while sharing anecdotal examples of how to use introvert talents to adapt to various situations. At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labeled "quiet," it is to introverts that we owe many of the great contributions to society, from van Gogh's sunflowers to the invention of the personal computer. Filled with indelible stories of real people, this book shows how dramatically we undervalue introverts, and how much we lose in doing so. Taking the reader on a journey from Dale Carnegie's birthplace to Harvard Business School, from a Tony Robbins seminar to an evangelical megachurch, the author charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal in the twentieth century and explores its far-reaching effects. She talks to Asian-American students who feel alienated from the brash, backslapping atmosphere of American schools. She questions the dominant values of American business culture, where forced collaboration can stand in the way of innovation, and where the leadership potential of introverts is often overlooked. And she draws on cutting-edge research in psychology and neuroscience to reveal the differences between extroverts and introverts. She introduces us to successful introverts, from a witty, high-octane public speaker who recharges in solitude after his talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions. Finally, she offers advice on everything from how to better negotiate differences in introvert-extrovert relationships to how to empower an introverted child to when it makes sense to be a "pretend extrovert." This book has the ability to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how introverts see themselves.
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Authors:
Cain, Susan
Statement of Responsibility:
Susan Cain
Title:
Quiet
the power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking
Publisher:
New York :, Crown Publishers,, c2012
Edition:
1st ed
Characteristics:
x, 333 p. ;,25 cm.
Bibliography:
Includes bibliographical references (p. [277]-323) and index
Contents:
The north and south of temperament
The Extrovert Ideal. The rise of the "mighty likeable fellow" : how extroversion became the cultural ideal ; The myth of charismatic leadership: the culture of personality, a hundred years later ; When collaboration kills creativity: the rise of the new Groupthink and the power of working alone
Your Biology, Your Self? Is temperament destiny? : nature, nurture, and the Orchid Hypothesis ; Beyond temperament: the role of free will (and the secret of public speaking for introverts) ; "Franklin was a politician, but Eleanor spoke out of conscience" : why cool is overrated ; Why did Wall Street crash and Warren Buffett prosper? : how introverts and extroverts think (and process dopamine) differently
Do All Cultures Have an Extrovert Ideal? Soft power: Asian-Americans and the extrovert ideal
How to Love, How to Work. When should you act more extroverted than you really are? ; The communication gap: how to talk to members of the opposite type ; On cobblers and generals: how to cultivate quiet kids in a world that can't hear them
Wonderland
A note on the words Introvert and Extrovert
Summary:
This book demonstrates how introverted people are misunderstood and undervalued in modern culture, charting the rise of extrovert ideology while sharing anecdotal examples of how to use introvert talents to adapt to various situations. At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labeled "quiet," it is to introverts that we owe many of the great contributions to society, from van Gogh's sunflowers to the invention of the personal computer. Filled with indelible stories of real people, this book shows how dramatically we undervalue introverts, and how much we lose in doing so. Taking the reader on a journey from Dale Carnegie's birthplace to Harvard Business School, from a Tony Robbins seminar to an evangelical megachurch, the author charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal in the twentieth century and explores its far-reaching effects. She talks to Asian-American students who feel alienated from the brash, backslapping atmosphere of American schools. She questions the dominant values of American business culture, where forced collaboration can stand in the way of innovation, and where the leadership potential of introverts is often overlooked. And she draws on cutting-edge research in psychology and neuroscience to reveal the differences between extroverts and introverts. She introduces us to successful introverts, from a witty, high-octane public speaker who recharges in solitude after his talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions. Finally, she offers advice on everything from how to better negotiate differences in introvert-extrovert relationships to how to empower an introverted child to when it makes sense to be a "pretend extrovert." This book has the ability to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how introverts see themselves.
Subject Headings:
Introverts
Introversion
Extraversion
Interpersonal relations
Topical Term:
Introverts
Introversion
Extraversion
Interpersonal relations
LCCN:
2010053204
ISBN:
9780307352149
0307352145
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Add a CommentI was kind of looking more for helpful tips on how to survive in the extrovert world. Couldn't care less which president or first lady was an introvert. This book mostly mentioned studies - yes there are introverts out there - and they have these characteristics... now what!
While reading this book it was all I could do not to cry out, "Finally, someone who understands!" Using both scientific research and personal stories, Cain outlines how current North American culture undervalues introverts—at least one third of the population—and how much we all lose because of this. More than just academic analysis, she also includes practical advice for introverts and those who live with them. Required reading for both introverts and extroverts.
Cain's "Quiet" is recipient of the Hermits' Choice Book Award for 17th Annual National Hermit Week, June 13-20, 2013. Review is available at: http://www.nationalhermitweek.org/why-cains-quiet-is-the-hermits-choice/. Founder of this national hermit holiday is a Spotsylvania resident and CRRL patron.
A book that's long overdue in our extrovert dominated society. Cain provides an in-depth description of the Introversion-Extroversion spectrum from a variety of perspectives. Historically she explains the development of the cult of personality during the 20th Century (replacing the cult of character), psychologically she describes the various theories about personality, anthropologically she relates the cultural differences between our Western promotion of extroversion and east Asia's celebration of introversion, and sociologically she describes the roles introverts play in our society and the problems and challenges they face in our schools and corporate world. What this book did, is validate my introverted tendencies and give me permission to be who I am, not to meet our society's expectation of extroverted behaviour. Introverts should read this book for the validation of who they are, but extroverts with introverted spouses or children (especially with children) should also read it to understand those close to them and to accept them as they are meant to be
This is a fascinating read! My wife is an extreme introvert, and both her and I are finding this read helpful. Some of you may be interested in reading these blog posts Dear Extrovert, (An Honest Letter from an Introvert) http://timandolive.com/dear-extroverts/ Dear Introvert, (An Honest Letter from an Extrovert) http://eslmarriage.com/dear-introverts-an-honest-letter-from-an-extrovert/
A fantastic analysis of introversion in the middle of a culture idealizing extroversion. I wish I had had this book in high school and college, when I struggled with the overwhelming urge to remain alone instead of making or going out with friends. Susan Cain's message is ultimately clear, friendly, and intimate; it's tremendously reassuring to know that she and many others are exactly the same way as the introverted reader, and that it's all right for us to be the way we are.
I want to hug the author for this much needed book, but, being a shy introvert, I will merely say, "Thank you!" Its greatest significance has got to be in the field of education, where the US is failing miserably. I hope it ushers in a new/back-to-the-old paradigm. Our present (since 1930s?) educational system seems purposely designed to crush introverts, to the detriment of all of us. As for the statistics and research, the more the merrier. Validating. Vindicating. Must read.
A really interesting and insightful look at the introvert and the wonderful role they play in society. Both introverts and extroverts can benefit from and enjoy this book. I really got a lot out of this book and I would highly recommend it..
As an introvert I found this book invaluable. Finally things make sense. It was illuminating to read of the strengths as well as the typical needs that introverts possess.
304 requests here, people might want to try, "the Introvert Advantage" only 26 requests there Review of Quiet by others (I am still waiting> http://www.amazon.ca/product-reviews/0307352145/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1