In this era of internet of things, we “google” for answers, “whatsapp” to be social and “youtube” to express. We have shorter attention span and less patience; and with more information, there are more things to share than more time to listen to others’ sharing.
Thousands of years of Chinese/Eastern teaching talks about developing important character traits such as humbleness, subtlety, persistence and altruism. Fast forward with western culture shaping the world, the character focus has shifted to personality focus.
This book “
Quiet : The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking”, by Susan Cain, is a refreshing read. Susan quietly writes about the behavior, the thought process and world-changing contribution of that quieter half of the world population. It gives explanation on how introverts and extroverts function; and offers insights to readers of any personalities.
“Quiet” talks about the rise of extroversion as a cultural (personality) ideal, with life examples from Dale Carnegie to the author’s personal experience in Tony Robbins’ events. It attempts to answer questions like “Are personality a result of nature or nurture?” It talks about different biology reaction, thought process and behavior between introverts and extroverts; follow with vivid stories of contrasting personality between Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt; and the different behaviors leading to Wall Street Crash and the folks who thrive in the Crash. 
There is a chapter on the soft power of “quiet” introvert, and a deeper dive into the cultural values outside of US, including perspective of scholarly students with Asian-heritage in US high schools and their challenges in fitting into college where speaking-up, social interaction and group thinking are “demanded”.
Just as extroverts make charismatic leaders and make many contributions, introverts are making great contributions to the society from Van Gogh and his paintings to Wozniak and the invention of personal computer.
The book finishes with case studies on how to love and work with/within your and others’ personalities.
If you are among those who are curious about different personalities (including your own); or simply to learn to work and love one of them, you would enjoy reading the research, the analysis and the stories of “Quiet”. I am surprised this book has not made more noise, but maybe it is not a surprise when many prizes extrovert just a little bit more.
oliviatamccue 
Leave a comment