Book Review: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
This is must read for all introverts and all who interact with them. In the world so focused on extroversion it's reassuring to hear that introversion is normal and have its own strengths.
I'm not exactly shy and introvert person all the time but I learned a lot. In my opinion, everyone can learn something from it. Solitude can be something that not only introverts can benefit from.
The most important idea for introverts is to embrace your strengths. Instead of feeling guilty you're not social and cheerful all the time you should use your observational and listening skills. Picking only a couple of close friends over many acquaintances might be better for you as well.
Even when everyone around you creates social pressure to talk it doesn't mean that you have to do it. Quiet gives you more confidence in who you are and how you can live your life your own way.
It turns out that an introvert can fake extroversion, but it's easier if it's important because of your personal goals. Don't strain yourself for every small talk with every person you meet, it might not be worth the effort. Introverts have to spend energy during social activities so choose your battles carefully.
If you don't feel you have time to read the whole book watch video of author's TED talk.
I really enjoyed the book, even when though the amount of positive information about introversion felt sometimes too good to be true. It helped to know many of the mentioned experiments and books beforehand. Introverts have a hard time in extrovert society and maybe it was just the exposure to the different way of thinking that caused me to flinch from time to time?
All in all, read it.
Rating: 9/10
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