Quiet: The Power of Introverts

     Hans already shared a post on Susan Cain's Quiet:  The Power of Introverts, but I'd just like to follow-up with a recommendation for reading the book or at least taking a look at the link that Hans posted for Cain's interview and TED Talk on the topic:  How Do Introverts Share Ideas?
     Cain offers wonderful insights regarding how introverts often adopt a 'public' extrovert personality because our society, and particularly our educational system, tend to overvalue the gregarious and out-going over those who would rather spend time alone in quieter settings or who dread too much interaction with others.  This can be an exhausting process for anyone who feels they have to live their life in this manner.  She has an excellent chapter on the difficulty that some Asian students have integrating themselves into the American school system where talking often signals wisdom and understanding as opposed to the predominant philosophy in Asian societies that not speaking and focusing on contemplation and a reserved public persona connotes true wisdom.  Additionally, Cain argues that the concept of 'group work', both in business and in education, has its limitations because of the number of introverts in our society and that businesses and schools should remain cognizant of the fact that they should always offer a mix of opportunities for individuals to create, work, and learn.
     It's an interesting, relatively quick read that covers many areas that we discuss quite frequently:  public speaking, how people learn, efficiency and structure, personal relationships etc.  The library has a copy on display right now for those who want to spend some quiet time inside on a nice, comfy couch.