Quiet

the power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking

Hardcover, 333 pages

English language

Published Jan. 18, 2012 by Crown Publishers.

View on OpenLibrary

3 stars (7 reviews)

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking is a 2012 non-fiction book written by Susan Cain. Cain argues that modern Western culture misunderstands and undervalues the traits and capabilities of introverted people, leading to "a colossal waste of talent, energy, and happiness".The book presents a history of how Western culture transformed from a culture of character to a culture of personality in which an "extrovert ideal" dominates and introversion is viewed as inferior or even pathological. Adopting scientific definitions of introversion and extroversion as preferences for different levels of stimulation, Quiet outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each temperament, emphasizing the myth of the extrovert ideal that has dominated in the West since the early twentieth century. Asserting that temperament is a core element of human identity, Cain cites research in biology, psychology, neuroscience and evolution to demonstrate that introversion is both common and normal, …

7 editions

Review of "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Life changing book, I think I've never discovered so much about myself in a book. Seriously, I felt like my whole childhood was written in this book, from my quiet self to the forced group activities. This also helped me understand some problems related to my work life or how I'm supposed to handle conflicts and work itself. A must read if you're introvert :)

Review of 'Quiet' on 'Goodreads'

2 stars

This has been highly recommended in introvert circles. I couldn't possibly have avoided hearing the raves. It just didn't do anything for me.

I felt that the author concentrated on too limited an aspect, and didn't have enough substance. For example, while she stated early on that not all introverts are shy, that additional trait of some introverts was heavily used throughout. She also concentrated on business and school environments, but barely on everyday social/living environments.

Review of "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" on 'Goodreads'

2 stars

This has been highly recommended in introvert circles. I couldn't possibly have avoided hearing the raves. It just didn't do anything for me.

I felt that the author concentrated on too limited an aspect, and didn't have enough substance. For example, while she stated early on that not all introverts are shy, that additional trait of some introverts was heavily used throughout. She also concentrated on business and school environments, but barely on everyday social/living environments.

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Subjects

  • Extraversion
  • Introverts
  • Interpersonal relations
  • Introversion