Book Information
Title: Quiet
Author: SUSAN CAIN
Publication Date:January 29, 2013
Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help
Pages: 368
ISBN-10: 0307352153
ISBN-13: 978-0307352156
How I met this book
I picked this book at a bookstore because I wondered whether I am an introvert or an extrovert. I had an opportunity to try to get to know myself. During that time, I felt like my personality had changed as I got older. When I was young, I always went outside to play sports with friends and talked with someone. I also loved to be outstanding. However, now that I prefer to be alone, I still like talking with people. This realization led me to pick this book to find out who I am.
Another reason I picked this book was that I felt extroverted people tend to be recognized as successful and the opposite(introverted) as failures in modern society. However, I believed that that was not always true, or I wanted to believe that that was not true. I wanted to know how introverts and extroverts affect our lives.
I had watched the author’s video in TED talks, so I already knew that introverted people have their own strengths that extroverted people do not have. That video made me feel like knowing more about these two dimensions.
This is how I met or decided to read this book.
Summary of this book
Short Summary
Depending on the extent of sensitivity against stimulation in society, two dimensions exist: extroverted and introverted. These dimensions can be affected by genetics and social interaction. The author, who is also introverted, explains how introverted people can be treated and what benefits they can obtain from introversion in society by comparing these two traits. Those two traits can give people both pros and cons depending on the circumstances.
Key Points
- Because of historic transitions such as big business and mass immigration, outer charm became more important than inner virtue.
- Sensitivity to stimulations such as caffeine, music, or reward, as well as education and group identity, is the most influential element that divides introverted and extroverted. Well-adjusted stimulations are important.
- Collaboration and delivering a speech might not be an effective way for introverted people to be successful in society. They are more likely to perform well in an environment where they are alone, quietly, or in small groups.
- People can overcome difficulties because of particular traits that they do not have by making a core personal project in their lives meaningful, manageable, and less stressful)
Fan Facts
- one third to one half of Americans are introverts
- As a team, introverted leaders fit well with proactive followers, and extroverted leaders are ideal for passive followers.
- Major personality traits are about 40-50% heritable
Favorite Quotes
“If you’re in the backyard sitting under a tree while everyone else is clinging glasses on the patio, you’re likely to have an apple fall on your head”(p.75)
“We are born with prepackaged temperaments that powerfully shape our adult personalities”(p.105)
“Westerners value boldness and verbal skill that promote individuality, while Asians prize quiet, humility, and sensitivity, which foster group cohesion”(p.189)
“Words are potentially dangerous weapons that reveal things better left unsaid”(p.187)
“Kids stop learning when they feel emotionally threatened”(p.254)
How I felt about this book
This made me think that society can be changed for the better for introverted people. I was convinced that the current society, such as schools and workplaces, still tends to be designed for extroverted people. Personally, I grew up in a similar environment. Even in Japan, some teachers put emphasis on bold speech and proactively attending classes, which reflects on grades. Basically, the more you talk, the better your grades are. However, after reading this book, I can see the things from both lenses, extroversion and introversion. As the author mentions in this book, the particular traits affect us in the negative way or positive way depending on the circumstances. However, as a society, we need to create an environment where both extroverted and introverted people can be treated or perform well equally.
I think this book should be read by anybody, not particularly for people who recognize themselves as introverted. This is because, as I mentioned above, this book can give us wider lenses, not only one side but both sides, to see our society.
Whom I recommend to read
- Those who recognize themselves as introverted
- Those who want to know whether you are introverted or extroverted (like me)
- Those who want to know the benefits of introverts
- Those who are responsible for dealing with groups such as teachers, leaders, and managers