You may rememeber, ten months ago, I wrote an article on introversion, based on an article written by Susan Cain. I had never been so deeply affected by an article, and her renewed definitions of 'shyness' and 'introversion' truly made a difference in how I view both my own personality, my loved ones' personas, and the world around me. Cut to January 2013: at Waterstones, they started to promote eight particular titles as part of their 'Waterstones Book Club'; one of those books is called 'Quiet' by Susan Cain. Somehow it had escaped my attention that the article I had read ten months ago was actually an excerpt from a book. Not only that, but a fantastically selling book, probably the best-selling out of the eight Book Club books- turns out lots of people are interested in learning how a quiet person can use such quietness to their advantage in both life and work, rather than changing their whole persona. As soon as I could, I borrowed a free copy from my manager, devoured it every second I could, and literally did not shut up about how much I loved it the whole time I was reading it- just ask Patrick. Kind of ironic, given the title.
So, why did I love it so much? Well, it helps that the author is a brilliant, thoughtful writer who is extremely easy to empathize with. Although she is emphasizing the unique qualities that can make introverts great business leaders and society contributors, she never claims that it is 'better' to be an introvert- just that you needn't think you are at a disadvantage if you are on the quieter side. She has certainly done wide and extensive research, to ensure she is not putting forward a biased perspective. The studies that she looks at, as she explores the nature/nurture debates surrounding introversion, are truly fascinating, and will make you want to tell little anecdotes to everybody around you- or maybe that's just me.
You may be wondering: 'if Cain is such an introvert, how can she go around promoting this book?' That is actually something she brings up in the book- often, when an introvert feels passionately about a subject, they can often forget themselves and take on a more extroverted self in order to achieve the end result. I can certainly identify with this; I may have been terrified when I was leading those creative writing workshops in Fiji, or giving that creative writing talk to the kids at the International School, but once I was up there, my love for creative writing helped me to override my fear of looking stupid in front of an audience (yes, even the kids- ESPECIALLY the kids!). It's actually made me realize how much I love teaching kids creative writing- a path I would certainly like to pursue in the future.
Even if you know that you are an out-and-out extrovert, don't immediately put this book aside- everybody, from bosses to parents to friends, can gain from learning how introverts handle social situations- and that their dislike of large parties does not make them 'anti-social', but just sensitive to overstimulation. There are not many people that are one extreme or the other: a fact that Cain emphasizes throughout the book. Considering this glorious ambiguity, even extroverts may recognize introverted qualities within themselves that they had never thought they had before.
As you've probably gathered by now, I absolutely LOVED this book- I have been recommending this book left, right and centre, not that it needs the promotion. Just like the introverts it speaks about, the book is quietly drawing people towards it by offering them a unique, previously unsung insight into the world around them. Cain handled the subject beautifully and sensitively, never judging or assuming, and certainly left this mostly high-reactive introvert (with some extroverted qualities) feeling empowered, and ready to live life in a way that will promote my best assets. I'll leave you with this quote:
'The secret to life is to put yourself in the right lighting. For some, a Broadway spotlight; for others, a lamp-lit desk.'
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