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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
3.75
I genuinely think everyone should read this. It was interesting and science based, I learned so much. I could take things for my own life and understand my own talents, but I also got insight on how I could best raise my future kids, especially if I have introverts. The only problems I had with this book was how she didn't really put extroverts in a positive life and she repeated things way too much and when she used an example it dragged on several minutes or even an hour
It was insightful tho and I'm glad I read it
I genuinely think everyone should read this. It was interesting and science based, I learned so much. I could take things for my own life and understand my own talents, but I also got insight on how I could best raise my future kids, especially if I have introverts. The only problems I had with this book was how she didn't really put extroverts in a positive life and she repeated things way too much and when she used an example it dragged on several minutes or even an hour
It was insightful tho and I'm glad I read it
Really interesting premise, provided some insight into introverts/extroverts that I know and love. A fairly technical read, fyi. I found myself skipping through this book, picking out the parts that I was interested in rather than reading through from start to finish.
Highly readable and informative, loved her perspective.
“…introverts are antisocial and extroverts are pro-social…neither formulation is correct; introverts and extroverts are differently social.” That quote best sums up the major thread in this book. Time has resulted, socially, in very wrong ideas about what it means to be an extrovert or introvert. Example, most people who know me would not peg me as an introvert. Over the years I have learned to become more comfortable with it and try to redefine what introvert means to others.
That is where “Quiet” comes in. I first heard about it on the Ted Radio Hour and have been fascinated by Susan Cain’s analysis ever since. This book showed me how introverts sometimes conduct themselves as extroverts because we’re taught from an early age that extroverts win. Cain dives deep into this phenomenon, along with the myth of the extrovert leader and what introverts bring to the table. Cain also explores the cultural and historical roots that led to the extrovert ideal in some cultures and the preference for quiet power in other cultures.
What Cain sets out to do more than anything is dispel all of these misconceptions about what it means to be an introvert or an extrovert. Particularly, the antisocial myth about extroverts. Moreover through multiple examples she shows that there is value in having introverts included in conversations and leadership roles that they would normally be left out of. Cain also excels in giving real practical tools and examples of how to thrive as an introvert in a world where extroverts are celebrated.
In summary, this book is hard to put down and the writing is fluid and concise. Cain’s style distills down and makes actionable key learnings from every chapter. Particularly, in how introversion and extroversion are not neat little boxes one fits into. They are more like a Venn diagram. You are one or the other but may still share some qualities from the other camp. Another key concept, is learning your appropriate stimulation level and setting up your work, life, hobbies to keep you in the “sweet spot.” The ability to be as social as you need to be depending on the setting.
That is where “Quiet” comes in. I first heard about it on the Ted Radio Hour and have been fascinated by Susan Cain’s analysis ever since. This book showed me how introverts sometimes conduct themselves as extroverts because we’re taught from an early age that extroverts win. Cain dives deep into this phenomenon, along with the myth of the extrovert leader and what introverts bring to the table. Cain also explores the cultural and historical roots that led to the extrovert ideal in some cultures and the preference for quiet power in other cultures.
What Cain sets out to do more than anything is dispel all of these misconceptions about what it means to be an introvert or an extrovert. Particularly, the antisocial myth about extroverts. Moreover through multiple examples she shows that there is value in having introverts included in conversations and leadership roles that they would normally be left out of. Cain also excels in giving real practical tools and examples of how to thrive as an introvert in a world where extroverts are celebrated.
In summary, this book is hard to put down and the writing is fluid and concise. Cain’s style distills down and makes actionable key learnings from every chapter. Particularly, in how introversion and extroversion are not neat little boxes one fits into. They are more like a Venn diagram. You are one or the other but may still share some qualities from the other camp. Another key concept, is learning your appropriate stimulation level and setting up your work, life, hobbies to keep you in the “sweet spot.” The ability to be as social as you need to be depending on the setting.
So good! I’m glad I finally got around to reading this book; it’s been recommended to me by several people. Introversion is not an inherently negative trait, and it often comes with and leads to many positive attributes.
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
How often does a book make you feel that it is ok to be you? If the answer is never and you are an introvert, here you go! I enjoyed this one so much - I finally understand that there are basic biology-related reasons that I feel and act the way I do - and that I'm not the only person in the world who can hide their introverted nature while out in public while longing to just go home, sit outside and read. So much emphasis is placed on having huge groups of friends, of loving loud events and group everything (can't a person just enjoy lunch alone once in a while??). I loved the fact that I am not alone in my love of ideas and thinking and having a rich inner life. Just so much good insight and understanding in this book. Definitely recommended for everyone, both intro- and extroverts.
*It's not always so easy, it turns out, to identify your core personal projects. And it can be especially tough for introverts, who have spend so much of their lives conforming to extroverted norms that by the time they choose a career, or a calling, it feels perfectly normal to ignore their own preferences. They may be uncomfortable in law school or nursing school or in the marketing department, but no more so than they were back in middle school or summer camp.*
*...We all write our life stories as if we were novelists, McAdams believes, with beginnings, conflicts, turning points, and endings. And the way we charcterize our past setbacks profoundly influences how satisfied we are with our current lives. Unhappy people tend to see setbacks as contaminants that ruined an otherwise good thing ("I was never the same again after my wife left me"), while generative adults see them as blessings in disguise ("The divorce was the most painful thing that ever happened to me, but I'm so much happier with my new wife"). Those who live the most fully realized lives - giving back to their families, societies, and ultimately themselves - tend to find meaning in their obstacles. In a sense, McAdams has breathed new life into one of the great insights of Western mythology: that where we stumble is where our treasure lies.*
*It's not always so easy, it turns out, to identify your core personal projects. And it can be especially tough for introverts, who have spend so much of their lives conforming to extroverted norms that by the time they choose a career, or a calling, it feels perfectly normal to ignore their own preferences. They may be uncomfortable in law school or nursing school or in the marketing department, but no more so than they were back in middle school or summer camp.*
*...We all write our life stories as if we were novelists, McAdams believes, with beginnings, conflicts, turning points, and endings. And the way we charcterize our past setbacks profoundly influences how satisfied we are with our current lives. Unhappy people tend to see setbacks as contaminants that ruined an otherwise good thing ("I was never the same again after my wife left me"), while generative adults see them as blessings in disguise ("The divorce was the most painful thing that ever happened to me, but I'm so much happier with my new wife"). Those who live the most fully realized lives - giving back to their families, societies, and ultimately themselves - tend to find meaning in their obstacles. In a sense, McAdams has breathed new life into one of the great insights of Western mythology: that where we stumble is where our treasure lies.*
You know you have a good book when many pages are covered in highlights, underlining and notes like "wow!". I first discovered Susan Cain through her TED talk last year. The beautiful way she approaches the subject of introversion (and extroversion as well) is so well done. She doesn't sugar coat things, nor is she bashing extroverts in any way. Rather, she sheds light on many areas of strength that rarely get discussed. The book is chock full of research, so academics will enjoy, but it's written for the lay person in mind so anyone can benefit from it. This is a must read for anyone who identifies themselves as an introvert and even more so if you have ever been labeled with that unfortunate word, "shy".
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
As the parent and spouse of introverted people, I wish I had read this earlier. An approachable and informative look at how to acknowledge and accommodate those quiet and contemplative individuals around us. Better than your average airport book. Absolutely read if you lead teams, teach or have an introverted child.