Simplicity of a subject depends on how well researched it is.Quiet is one such thoroughly researched book.In fact I was surprised to see the acknowledgement and notes section at the end of the book.It is a sizable part in itself.
The book throws visible light on the vast spectrum of human personalities.We see people as introverts and extroverts but do you know that an introvert need not be shy or a hermit or misanthrope always ? The book tells me that there are four quadrants to personality types : calm extroverts, anxious extroverts, calm introverts and anxious introverts. If this leaves you confused ,think Barbra Streisand as shy extrovert ( larger than life persona with paralyzing stage fear ) Author thinks Bill Gates is a calm introvert ( keeps to himself but unfazed by others' opinions )
Do you think fixed personality traits exist? If not, when should you act more extroverted than you really are?These are some points to ponder and the book goes on to explain with examples about the special situations in which being an extrovert may prove beneficial.Psychologist Mischel admits that personality traits exist but they may occur in patterns.For example, some people may be aggressive with peers and subordinates but docile with authority or even vice-versa.
Extroversion may be the cultural ideal but you can not ignore the quiet guy sitting in the corner ,observing the happenings and making mental notes.He may not 'look' like a leader but may actually ' be' the leader.Yes,it has been proved that there is something called as a soft power which requires sustained attention. Introverts are capable of giving sustained attention .The roots of this trait lie in the culture rather than conditioning of Asian and Asian American students ,says a study in the USA. Their success is attributed to this 'soft power'.
They are generally quiet but then ,conviction is conviction,at whatever decibel it is expressed !
This book celebrates the power of Quiet .It highlights the value of silence and solitude. After reading this book I have a new found respect for the people who live in their head.
My take -Excellent read.
Pic credit -Google images
Am I a combo of all? Don't know. Have to read it to know it...so, please share it.
ReplyDeleteI will be glad to share the book Janaki .Read it,it is all there and let us meet to discuss each other's traits for the fun of it :D
DeleteWhat a great review, Sharmila. In light of my recent discovery of my introverted personality, I certainly must read Quiet. Any chance I can borrow it from you? Or did you read it on Kindle?
ReplyDeleteGlad you like it Corinne .I have you in my mind when I am writing these days :)
ReplyDeleteI will be glad to share it and I feel you are going to enjoy reading it.Between you and Janaki,who will go for it first? :)
We'll toss! ;)
ReplyDeleteAnother friend of mine had highly recommended the book. It is on my wishlist in the library but is not yet available. You reiterated my resolve to read it. I think in general, introversion and shyness are extremely misunderstood terms in India. Some people even draw negative connotations to the terms. Being a shy and introverted person throughout my life and having a very shy son, I can relate very well to the concept. Will talk more after reading the book.
ReplyDeleteMost people attach a negative connotation to that term introvert.If you feel you are shy,you will love the book more as it explores the strengths of a quiet person.Happy reading!
DeleteSounds like an extremely interesting read. Would love to lay my hands on this book. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteBelieve me it is!one of those books which can be revisited .:)
DeleteYou seem to have written the review with a calm conviction! The fact that the review itself so chastening speaks volumes about the book. Humans always intrigue me and I find it difficult to put them in categories. I have found the same people behaving in a diametrically opposite manner in different circumstances. I am hoping to read the book soon. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you USP.I agree ,it is difficult to categorize humans but experts have tried and how !! Freud would not have been Freud and Psychology not a science if it were not for categorization of humans.I love to observe and read about the subject(s):)
DeleteIt was recommended from my cousin last week and I totally forgot about it. Will definitely go search it in book stores here !
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading Ritika and welcome to this space.:)do read this ..I Flipkarted this,did not find it in bookstores.
DeleteA very nice review Sharmila! Categorizing humans is not easy but the traits each one has help in understanding them better:)
ReplyDeleteHuman psychology, behaviour patters and personality traits make very interesting reads.Thank you for reading.
DeleteHi Sharmila,
ReplyDeletea very Nice Review , I wish I could read the books ..but all I g end-up sleeping just after reading few pages ..reading becomes project and its goes on-on unless its Not related to my area of interest I read it in one go... don't know why I have this phobia ..
Thank you Vivek.Lol, you are not alone there..I know of many who do that.:)
DeleteThis looks like a wonderful book. From your review, I can see so many take-aways! Have bookmarked it in my must read list!
ReplyDeleteIt is very good Shilpa.Do read and I would like to know your views too.welcome to my space.
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