The Impacts Of Susan Cain: The Power Of Introverts

The topic of introverts should not be compelled into acting as if they are extroverts that was presented by Susan Cain in her TED talk really connects to me because I personally “identify” myself as an introvert. Similar to Susan Cain, I would describe myself as reserved, mellow and comfortable with being alone. I enjoy being by myself and listening to music while getting deep into the thoughts in my head. I don’t really like getting small casual conversations with strangers and I get emotionally drained with being in a large group of people. These are some of the things that my little introverted self likes to do. But being quiet and not outgoing is not the most desirable thing to do, as this is true for my family, friends and the society.

Throughout her presentation, she talked about how introverts are being forced into acting like an extroverts. She explained that the society we’re living in is pressuring introverts to be more like extroverts. Through her anecdote of how her introverted self wanted to be a writer but she chose to become a Wall Street lawyer instead, all in order to prove that she is capable of being “bold and assertive”. Along with her perspective of being an introvert and trying to catch up on the standards that society placed on us, she further explained that how our most crucial institutions are inflicting that we should all be like extroverts. Schools are making students work with each other more, even on subjects that needs to be done independently. Our offices are posing more open plan offices so that we will have to work with our colleagues because there’s no walls to separating us. She also explains that our desire for being more outgoing and sociable derives from our cultural history. In the Western world, the “man of action” was more desirable than a “man of contemplation”. Then when we hit the 20th century, when we switched from an agricultural economy to a world of business and more people are moving out of small towns to large cities. With that being said, more people are being surrounded by each other, they needed to prove that they are capable in front of groups of strangers. To a certain extent, it’s like a way for