Susan Cain writes on behalf of the shy, the timid, and the quiet, thus giving voice to a deep-thinking and reflective segment of society. Throughout the book, she provides logical argument as to the relevance and power of the introvert.
In Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, Cain states that the powerful contributions of the introvert have been overlooked by a society that celebrates the extrovert. Cain leads the reader through her own journey of self-discovery as an introvert and her development as attorney and author. She also offers compelling research evidence and shares personal stories that have strong emotional appeal, supplying abundant anecdotal evidence to support her assertion that our society values the “extrovert ideal” while diminishing the introverted reality.
The trend, even in faith communities, says Cain, has been to celebrate the extrovert while the contributions of the introvert lay dormant or under- developed. The examples she gives debunk the myth that introverts have little to contribute. Do leaders have to be charismatic? Can introverts become great leaders? The author supports the view that leaders do not have to be extroverts, and that introverts can be great leaders. According to Cain, introverted leaders are more open to the opinion of others, take more time to make crucial decisions, and are often more reflective on the big picture, rather than the moment. This observation adds balance to a perspective among many christian leaders who may be tempted to minimize the introvert’s contributions and celebrate the charismatic extroverted leader. Cain also believes that this value system has corrupted the evangelical church. The author’s argument is that church leadership is influenced heavily by the leadership moments of society.
Cain’s view, that we live in the “extrovert ideal” value system where introversion is viewed “as a second class trait,” was given a solid footing through a historical overview of the Western ideal. Cain points out that there was a shift in Western society from character to charisma during the early portion of the 20th century. By the 1920s and 1930s, the value of inward qualities like honor, integrity and morals was replaced by a new list that included terms like magnetic, fascinating, and energetic. This shift positioned Western culture with a new system of social acceptance and upward mobility. Cain’s historical overview of the value shift in American culture runs parallel with shifts within the leadership community at large, giving evidence that she is informed about current leadership literature and is keenly aware of leadership trends.
Not only does Cain point out the myths that accompany the introverted personality, she also offers insight for parents, educators, and those who feel silenced by the extrovert ideal. This insight proves helpful for those within the leadership community who are confronted with the complexities of diverse personalities. Cain’s theme is bolstered by comparing the Western ideal of extroversion with that of Eastern culture. Cain writes that “Westerners value boldness and verbal skill, traits that promote individuality, while Asians prize quiet, humility, and sensitivity, which foster group cohesion” (p. 189).
In writing Quiet, Cain gives voices to a segment of society that is often misunderstood and silenced. Her relevant arguments, supported by well-researched facts and anecdotal evidence, provide fresh insights for christian communities which may be influenced by the “extrovert ideal.” Moreover, parents and educators, as well as those who are introverts, extroverts or ambiverts, can learn how to appreciate the strengths of various personality traits. I recommend this book to any leader, parent or educator who wishes to have a balanced perspective of the strengths and potential of introverts.
PASTOR M. CURTIS POWELL is a student in the Doctor of Ministry program at the Seventh-day Adventist theological Seminary and is pastor of the Lighthouse Seventh-day Adventist church in Miami, Florida.