Introvert Vs Extrovert Identity in Susan Cain's Book

Introduction

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking was written by Susan Cain. It was published on 24th January 2012 by Crown Publishers. It is a psychology-based novel primarily focusing on introversion and extroversion. Susan wrote this novel based on her lifetime experiences especially workplace experiences as she herself was an introvert. Quiet explores many aspects of introversion and extroversion from scientific, historical, cultural, and social standpoints of introverts vs extroverts.

Correlation of Introvert and Extrovert Identities 

The most widely discussed concept is the correlation between leadership qualities and introversion traits as most of the leaders, CEO and successful individuals discussed in the novel turned out to be introverts. This book is not trying to prove that introverts are better than extroverts. Instead, it discusses that introversion is valuable. Introverts and extroverts each bring important dynamics that are valuable together but at that time in the USA introverts were being squelched, so she spoke up for them through her writing. Additionally, this book gives a better understanding of one’s own self. The book is divided into four parts.

The first part “The Extrovert Ideal” focuses on how extroversion became the cultural ideal and attracted the attention of the majority. How valuable organizations such as Harvard Business School tried to convert their introverted students into extroverts by emphasizing their public speaking abilities. The second part “Your Biology, Your Self” discusses the nature of both personality traits and elaborates on the factors that differentiate them. It discusses the studies that have examined the influence of innate, inborn temperament on personality type. The third part “Do All Cultures Have An Extrovert Ideal?” explores different cultures to see whether they too have an idealization of extroverts or not. She gave examples of leaders belonging to different cultures, which used their introversion as their power rather than making it their weakness.

Shifting Personality Traits in Different Situations

The fourth part “How To Love, How To Work” discusses the idea that we shift our personality traits based on the situation that we find ourselves in. In the conclusion titled “Wonderland,” the author urges the readers to be true to themself and to put themselves in those situations that play well with their personality, rather than forcing uncomfortable situations. After reading this book, the ambiguity in my concepts of introversion and extroversion vanished and I easily categorized myself according to my personality. I figured out those ways and situations in which I can project the best out of myself. This book provided me with a new vision of seeing the world.

Conclusion

I highly recommend this book to every individual as it will shatter the belief that extroverts are superior and provide a much-needed change in the perception of introverts. This book is a must-read for those introverted individuals who are struggling to become leaders as it will make them able to realize that much-needed leadership qualities like creativity, solving complex problems, and concentration are the basics of introversion. After clarification of the meaning of both terms, you will be able to deal with this world differently.

References

1. Cain, Susan. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. Crown Publishers, 2012.