Like extroverts, introverts’ characteristics can vary some, but are seemingly similar: reflective, tend to keep mainly to themselves, and are seemingly misunderstood ("The Myers”). Introverts are Thoughtful Think of the soft spoken people you know, the one that usually observe rather than speak in a group discussion; and when they do have something to say, its pretty obvious they put thought into their opinion and come off as intelligent or clever. The reason they seem so, though, is because the less they say, the more they think. They tend to soak up everything that has been said, think on it, then share their opinion. Author and psychologist Marti Laney states "Extraverts think we have answers but just aren't giving them.
Introverts are not shy and are an asset in society. Introversion is defined by the energy source one draws from. Extroverts draw their energy from people, places and activities. Introverts draw their energy from ideas, impressions and emotions. The common misconception is that if one does not have a bold bright
With such an honorable registry, surely introverts must be appreciated members of society, right? Wrong. As Cain divulges, introverts are put at a disadvantage from the moment they are born, throughout school, and into the workforce, not by any flaw of their own, but by a society that upholds what Cain calls the “Extrovert Ideal”. From kindergarten to office jobs, it’s safe to say that life in America (and other countries, mainly those in the West) is geared towards the gregarious. Group projects are assigned increasingly more often, the desks in many classrooms are arranged in “pods”, and cubicles are often replaced by open workfloors with not so much as a curtain separating one person from another.
After reading Susan Cain’s “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” about introversion, the way in which I viewed not only myself, but the world, would be challenged. As an introvert, I prefer to observation and quietly think instead of vocally expressing myself. I enjoy times of solitude in which I can collect my thoughts, play the piano, practice magic tricks, or read. Growing up, I did not know of introversion, and therefore could not distinguish between what is known as shyness and introversion. I was confused – I believed myself shy because I kept to myself often and enjoyed my alone time, but I equally expressing myself more and acting the opposite when I was around close companions.
Extroverts can be some of the best people you meet. They have plenty to offer and thrive at the attention of others. However, being introverted can be just as great. In a society where being extroverted is the ideal, it can be very difficult to be an introvert. Susan Cain argues in her Ted Talk, “The Power of Introverts”, that introverts can share many brilliant ideas with the world and should be encouraged and celebrated for who they are.
Is being an introvert a good thing? Introversion is characterized as being inwardly energized. Although approximately *50% of the population is introverted, it is not considered to be a desirable trait. However, is it an advantage or a disadvantage? To help me unearth this truth, two short stories dealing with highly internalized characters will be discussed.
Regardless of the hoops I may have to jump through, I still feel that this is the career choice for me. My strengths, which include attention to detail, ability to follow instructions, and taking constructive criticism, do outweigh my weaknesses of being more of an introvert. Although my shyness may be a hinderance in the beginning; once I get to know a person, you would not be able to tell that I was shy person. I am determined and dedicated to this challenge. I will not let anything stand in my way of obtaining this
Sometimes you need time for yourself, and nature is a great supporter for those times. This represents transcendentalist thinking, and it is still a significant aspect American culture. It is another reason why introverts are being shown in a better light in the present, and being by oneself is becoming more accepted.
Society has made the world an extrovert’s paradise. Everywhere you turn, there is an opportunity for interaction. Without really even realizing that we do so, we tear down introverts and their ways of living. We make it exceptionally harder for introverts to truly be their selves. Susan Cain goes into more detail about how we do this and why we should change in her TED talk “The Power of Introverts.” The audience that Cain is reaching most likely introverts, however we all can learn to accept introverts and their unique ways.
For my essay I am choosing the topic of introverts and online education. This topic is relevant for both my area of study, and my professional field. I am an introvert, which does not infer shyness or timidness. It means that I do not gain as much insight into learning topics when in a group as I would in private. I value group discussions and the unique perspective that people provide, I use those insights along with my own to enhance my work both scholastically and professionally when I am alone.