Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking
By Susan Cain

How can you not read a book with such a great title? I think every introvert who’s read it has said “Amen brother!” – but ya know, quietly and to ourselves.

America is one of, if not the, most extroverted nations in the world. With our rowdy frat boys and GroupThink-favoring business schools, it’s tough to be the quiet kid who just wants to read (or build computers or make movies). And yet, it is these people (Steve Wozniak and Steven Spielberg) who are often the folks most idolized by the general population.

Cain’s book is a beautifully well-reasoned explanation of why introverts are introverts. She explains that group projects like Wikipedia or Linux succeed, not because the contributors are all sitting in giant, open-floor offices (as most b-schools would advocate), but in the solitude of their own apartments and dorm rooms working alone, together.

Just because someone is louder doesn’t mean his (or less likely her) idea is better. I think Wall Street’s proven that time and time again in the recent years.

Cain also argues that it’s not better to be introverted than extroverted. Both personalities have important qualities, but it’s how we relate to each other that’s significant. And I’m sure that all the introverts among us would just like to stop having to force themselves into an extroverted world.

Quiet won’t kill you. Trust us…we know.

Happy reading…

Amanda