Quiet: the power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking by Susan Cain

I loved this book. I was intrigued when I heard Susan Cain speak in this video. Then I read her book and BAM, my thinking was transformed. I gained a better understanding of myself, my culture, and especially my husband (even more introverted than me :)

At times, it felt Cain was proposing that introverts are better than other people, but now I think that really, her perspective is just so counter-cultural, it sounds off-putting at first . I was hardly aware of "the extrovert ideal" in our culture until I read this, but I definitely agree it's there. From viewing shyness in children as a problem to be fixed, to granting promotions on the basis of gregariousness, our culture prefers extroverts-- even though introverts are often the deepest thinkers, and often make great leaders.

I found her discussions on the strengths of introverts very affirming: preferring quiet isn't a flaw. I appreciate her emphasizing that forcing individuals to go against their personality isn't harmful only to him/her, but also our whole society. Equally, I appreciate her acknowledgement that there are situations where one must go outside the realm of what comes naturally for the sake of "core personal projects." For example, it can be hard for extroverts to sit and study, or hard for an introvert to talk to a crowd of people, but for something one believes is important, it is worth it.

I was particularly intrigued by her (brief) observations about the evangelical church's preference for extroverts, and how this influences its introverts. I can't wait to read the book she recommended, Introverts in the Church.

Also, I noticed this and thought... maybe a reflection of our culture's preference for extroversion?? How google defines introverts:

Noun:

A shy, reticent, and typically self-centered person. A person predominantly concerned with their own thoughts and feelings rather than with external things.

VS what I think of as introverted- how Myers-Briggs defines it:

Introversion (I)
I like getting my energy from dealing with the ideas, pictures, memories, and reactions that are inside my head, in my inner world. I often prefer doing things alone or with one or two people I feel comfortable with. I take time to reflect so that I have a clear idea of what I’ll be doing when I decide to act. Ideas are almost solid things for me. Sometimes I like the idea of something better than the real thing.
The following statements generally apply to me:

• I am seen as “reflective” or “reserved.”
• I feel comfortable being alone and like things I can do on my own.
• I prefer to know just a few people well.
• I sometimes spend too much time reflecting and don’t move into action quickly enough.
• I sometimes forget to check with the outside world to see if my ideas really fit the experience.

Hmm.