Why We Love It:

Quiet begins by debunking common misconceptions about introversion, highlighting its complexity and the richness of introverted personalities. Cain argues that introverts’ introspection, creativity, and empathy, are too frequently overlooked in a world that prioritizes outgoing personalities. The book explores introversion across varied domains ranging from education to personal relationships and leadership styles.

By challenging societal norms and promoting a culture that values quiet reflection as much as bold action, Susan Cain offers a vision of a world where introverts can thrive. Whether you’re an introvert navigating a noisy world or an extrovert seeking to better understand the quieter voices around you, this book offers invaluable wisdom and perspective

Favorite Quotes:

“The secret to life is to put yourself in the right lighting. For some, it’s a Broadway spotlight; for others, a lamplit desk. Use your natural powers — of persistence, concentration, and insight — to do work you love and work that matters. Solve problems. make art, think deeply.” – Susan Cain

“We know from myths and fairy tales that there are many different kinds of powers in this world. One child is given a light saber, another a wizard’s education. The trick is not to amass all the different kinds of power, but to use well the kind you’ve been granted.” – Susan Cain

Book Jacket Summary:

What are the advantages of being an introvert? They make up at least one-third of the people we know. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over working in teams. It is to introverts—Rosa Parks, Chopin, Dr. Seuss, Steve Wozniak—that we owe many of the great contributions to society.
 
In Quiet, Susan Cain argues that we dramatically undervalue introverts and shows how much we lose in doing so. She charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal throughout the twentieth century and explores how deeply it has come to permeate our culture. She also 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. Passionately argued, impeccably researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet has the power to permanently change how you see yourself.