Susan Cain's passionate views on introverted people in an extroverted world shines through in this very thought provoking book. Quiet shows a side of our society that many people are unaware of. Cain explains the differences between introverted and extroverted people and the struggle that introverted people must go through in an extroverted society. Quiet is a non-fiction book that is filled with facts and statistics from research done on this topic.
According to Cain, America is part of a "value system ... call[ed] the Extrovert Ideal- the omnipresent belief that the ideal self is gregarious, alpha, and comfortable in the spotlight" (4). These characteristics are attributed to extroverted people. Because of this "Extrovert Ideal" many introverted people have a hard time finding their place, they struggle with self-esteem, and often times must pretend they are someone they are not. Cain also presents us with many ideas about how to fix this biased society.
As an introverted person struggling in an extroverted society, I can relate to many of the stories Cain presents. Reading Quiet also gave me hope that I can make it in this society. I may have to work at it harder than others, but it is possible. The book also reassured me that there is nothing wrong with being introverted and, in fact, I should embrace it for the gift it truly is.
There is nothing wrong with being extroverted or introverted, but there is something wrong with a society that says one personality is better than another. Each personality is needed for the betterment of society. Therefore, a balance should be reached. A balance that allows introverted people and extroverted people to contribute to society in their own way. Only through the method can a society fully achieve its potential.
I would definitely recommend this book. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing for this review.
