Quiet
Also known as Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
Susan Cain's 2012 book arguing that Western culture undervalues introverts, wasting their talents.
At a glance
Key ideas
The Extrovert Ideal, Introversion is not shyness, The New Groupthink …
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Elaine Aron, Steelcase
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Also on this page: Key facts · Links · Sources · Related pages
- Cain argues that modern Western culture misunderstands and undervalues introverts, causing "a colossal waste of talent, energy, and happiness".
- She traces an "Extrovert Ideal" to the shift in industrial America from a culture of character to a culture of personality.
- She defines introversion as a preference for less stimulating surroundings, distinct from shyness.
- Drawing on biology, psychology and neuroscience, she argues it is common, normal and partly inherited.
- She calls for changes in workplaces, schools and parenting.
Why it matters
- It started a wave of attention to introversion, was a Time cover story within weeks, and changed how some companies design offices.
Key facts
- Author
- Susan Cain1
- Published
- 24 Jan 20121
- Written
- Over seven years1
- Translations
- Into over forty languages by 20161
- Follow-up
- Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts (2016), for children, teens, parents and educators1
- Talks
- TED2012, and TED 2014 (All-Stars)1
Key ideas
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The Extrovert Ideal1
The belief that the ideal self is gregarious, alpha and comfortable in the spotlight dominates American culture.
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Introversion is not shyness1
Shyness is a fear of negative judgment; introversion is a preference for less stimulation.
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The New Groupthink1
Brainstorming and open offices favour the loudest voices; solitude is an underrated ingredient of creativity.
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Partly innate1
How introverted we are is visible in infants and is about 50% heritable.
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Restorative niches1
Introverts can act like extroverts for things they care about, if they also have places and times to be themselves.
Reception
Connections
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