The Power of Quiet If someone labelled you an "introvert" how would it make you feel? Judging from research on social desirability, most of us would prefer to be labelled extraverts. Normal distributions being what they are however, half the world is more introverted than average. In Chapter 2 of the textbook, we discussed the upside of introversion, but in many ways, it's an extravert's world. So says Susan Cain in her bestselling book Quiet. Cain makes three arguments: 1. We see ourselves as extraverts. Introversion is generally seen as undesirable, partly because extraverts like being in charge and are more apt to shape environments to fit their wishes. "Many of the most important institutions of contemporary life are designed for those who enjoy group projects and high levels of stimulation." 2. Introversion is driven underground. Thanks to social norms and structures, introverts often are forced to "closet introverts" - acting according to an extraverted ideal, even if that is not their personality at heart. Think about it. If someone comments, "You're awfully quiet," they nearly always assume an underlying problem, as if not being quiet is the norm. 3. Extraversion is not all it's cracked up to be. Because introversion is suppressed, we cause the introverts of the world distress and fail to capitalize on the many virtues of introversion. We may overlook the quitet, thoughtful introvert when choosing a leader, we may quell creativity by doing most of our work in grous, and we may mistake appearance for reality ("Don't mistake assertiveness or eloquence for good ideas," Cain write). Society may unwittingly push people to take risks more than is warranted, to act before they think, and to focus on short-term rewards above all else. Introverts prefer quiet conditions to concentrate on difficult tasks. Cain is not anti-extrovert. She simply thinks we should encourage people to be who they truly are, and that means valuing extraversion and introversion. Research indicates happy introverts are every bit as happy as happy extraverts. Cain concludes, "The next time you see a person with a composed face and soft voice, remember that inside her mind she might be solving an equation, composing a sonnet, designing a hat. She might, that is, be deploying the powers of quiet." Question ( Answer this ques) 1)Do you agree with Cain's arguments? Discuss why or why not for each of the three arguments.
The Power of Quiet
If someone labelled you an "introvert" how would it make you feel?
Judging from research on social desirability, most of us would prefer to be labelled extraverts. Normal distributions being what they are however, half the world is more introverted than average. In Chapter 2 of the textbook, we discussed the upside of introversion, but in many ways, it's an extravert's world. So says Susan Cain in her bestselling book Quiet.
Cain makes three arguments:
1. We see ourselves as extraverts. Introversion is generally seen as undesirable, partly because extraverts like being in charge and are more apt to shape environments to fit their wishes. "Many of the most important institutions of contemporary life are designed for those who enjoy group projects and high levels of stimulation."
2. Introversion is driven underground. Thanks to social norms and structures, introverts often are forced to "closet introverts" - acting according to an extraverted ideal, even if that is not their personality at heart. Think about it. If someone comments, "You're awfully quiet," they nearly always assume an underlying problem, as if not being quiet is the norm.
3. Extraversion is not all it's cracked up to be. Because introversion is suppressed, we cause the introverts of the world distress and fail to capitalize on the many virtues of introversion. We may overlook the quitet, thoughtful introvert when choosing a leader, we may quell creativity by doing most of our work in grous, and we may mistake appearance for reality ("Don't mistake assertiveness or eloquence for good ideas," Cain write). Society may unwittingly push people to take risks more than is warranted, to act before they think, and to focus on short-term rewards above all else. Introverts prefer quiet conditions to concentrate on difficult tasks.
Cain is not anti-extrovert. She simply thinks we should encourage people to be who they truly are, and that means valuing extraversion and introversion. Research indicates happy introverts are every bit as happy as happy extraverts. Cain concludes, "The next time you see a person with a composed face and soft voice, remember that inside her mind she might be solving an equation, composing a sonnet, designing a hat. She might, that is, be deploying the powers of quiet."
Question ( Answer this ques)
1)Do you agree with Cain's arguments? Discuss why or why not for each of the three arguments.
Trending now
This is a popular solution!
Step by step
Solved in 3 steps
