# Introversion

Introversion is a personality trait characteristic of those who are typically perceived as more reserved or reflective, particularly in contrast to their more extroverted counterparts. Some psychologists have characterized introverts as people who often find themselves mentally exhausted by prolonged periods of social interaction, and who instead generally prefer to take pleasure in more solitary activities such as reading, writing, using computers, hiking, etc.

## Quotes

* Many introverts feel there’s something wrong with them, and try to pass as extroverts. But whenever you try to pass as something you’re not, you lose a part of yourself along the way.
** Susan Cain (January 24, 2012). "The Power of Introverts: A Manifesto for Quiet Brilliance". Scientific American.
* Most schools and workplaces now organize workers and students into groups, believing that creativity and productivity comes from a gregarious place. This is nonsense, of course. From Darwin to Picasso to Dr. Seuss, our greatest thinkers have often worked in solitude.
** Susan Cain (January 24, 2012). "The Power of Introverts: A Manifesto for Quiet Brilliance". Scientific American.
* An interesting line of research by the psychologists Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and Gregory Feist suggests that the most creative people in many fields are usually introverts. This is probably because introverts are comfortable spending time alone, and solitude is a crucial (and underrated) ingredient for creativity.
** Susan Cain (January 24, 2012). "The Power of Introverts: A Manifesto for Quiet Brilliance". Scientific American.
* This is one of the greatest misconceptions about introversion. We are not anti-social; we’re differently social. I can’t live without my family and close friends, but I also crave solitude.
** Susan Cain (January 24, 2012). "The Power of Introverts: A Manifesto for Quiet Brilliance". Scientific American.
* Introversion has its annoying qualities, too, of course. ...But I also believe that introversion is my greatest strength. I have such a strong inner life that I’m never bored and only occasionally lonely. No matter what mayhem is happening around me, I know I can always turn inward. In our culture, snails are not considered valiant animals – we are constantly exhorting people to “come out of their shells” – but there’s a lot to be said for taking your home with you wherever you go.
** Susan Cain (January 24, 2012). "The Power of Introverts: A Manifesto for Quiet Brilliance". Scientific American.
* Introverts are driven to distraction by the semi-internal dialogue extroverts tend to conduct. Introverts don't outwardly complain, instead roll their eyes and silently curse the darkness.
** Thomas P. Crouser, Why Should Extroverts Make All the Money? (June, 1999).
* Do you know someone who needs hours alone every day? Who loves quiet conversations about feelings or ideas, and can give a dynamite presentation to a big audience, but seems awkward in groups and maladroit at small talk? Who has to be dragged to parties and then needs the rest of the day to recuperate? Who growls or scowls or grunts or winces when accosted with pleasantries by people who are just trying to be nice? ... If you answered yes to these questions, chances are that you have an introvert on your hands.
** Jonathan Rauch (March, 2003). "Caring for Your Introvert". The Atlantic.
* Introverts are not necessarily shy. Shy people are anxious or frightened or self-excoriating in social settings; introverts generally are not. Introverts are also not misanthropic, though some of us do go along with Sartre as far as to say "Hell is other people at breakfast." Rather, introverts are people who find other people tiring...This isn't antisocial. It isn't a sign of depression. It does not call for medication. For introverts, to be alone with our thoughts is as restorative as sleeping, as nourishing as eating. Our motto: "I'm okay, you're okay—in small doses."
** Jonathan Rauch (March, 2003). "Caring for Your Introvert". The Atlantic.
* Are introverts arrogant? Hardly. I suppose this common misconception has to do with our being more intelligent, more reflective, more independent, more level-headed, more refined, and more sensitive than extroverts. Also, it is probably due to our lack of small talk, a lack that extroverts often mistake for disdain. We tend to think before talking, whereas extroverts tend to think by talking, which is why their meetings never last less than six hours.
** Jonathan Rauch (March, 2003). "Caring for Your Introvert". The Atlantic.
* How can I let the introvert in my life know that I support him and respect his choice? First, recognize that it's not a choice. It's not a lifestyle. It's an orientation. Second, when you see an introvert lost in thought, don't say "What's the matter?" or "Are you all right?" Third, don't say anything else, either.
** Jonathan Rauch (March, 2003). "Caring for Your Introvert". The Atlantic.

## External links

* Secrets of a super successful introvert Susan Cain article from CNN Living
* TED talks – Susan Cain: The power of introverts talk by Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking (January 2012), talks about reasons we should celebrate and encourage introversion
* Revenge of the Introvert Laurie Helgoe's article about introversion published in Psychology Today (2010)
* General description of the types Jung's original article (1921)
* BBC – The Human Mind – Personality Description of introversion and extraversion, focusing on reward-seeking behavior
* Changing Minds Another description of introversion and extraversion, taking a Jungian view
* Extraversion Gale Encyclopedia of Childhood & Adolescence. Gale Research, 1998.
* Introversion Gale Encyclopedia of Childhood & Adolescence. Gale Research, 1998.
* USA Today article about CEO introverts/extraverts
* "Caring for Your Introvert" Article in The Atlantic, March 2003
* "Ten Myths About Introverts" Article by Carl King, 2009.
* J. Wilt and W. Revelle review chapter on extraversion
* Scientific American article on Introversion
* Scientific American blogs: What Kind of Introvert are you?
* Temperament and the Brain: Introverts and Extraverts
* Learning Styles of Introverts and Extraverts
* Define Introvert - Embracing Quiet And Solitude