Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain --- 333 pages
A fascinating discussion of the way contemporary society undervalues the gifts and strengths that introverts bring to the table. Cain talks about the contributions of quiet people like Rosa Parks, Abraham Lincoln, Charles Darwin, Vincent Van Gogh and Steve Wozniak. She traces the shift in emphasis from the "culture of virtue" to the "culture of personality" that has occurred over the last century.
Cain looks at how overemphasis on collaboration and working in groups, starting early on in our schooling and continuing in the workplace and in our social activities, can actually hinder creativity and thinking outside the box. She summarizes research on personality, on brain structure and physiology, psychology and education, and gives examples of what factors determine introversion and extraversion.
Using real life examples from her own experience and the experience of others, she describes how introverts develop coping mechanisms --- some good, some bad --- in order to succeed in environments that feel indifferent, foreign and even hostile to them. She talks about other cultures that have different values, where the strengths of introversion are honored and appreciated, and how this affects social interactions and achievements.
Finally she provides some ideas for families, friends, educators, employers and colleagues who want to engage and encourage introverts and create an environment where they can thrive and be true to themselves.
