Susan Cain www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts"The Power of Introverts" Ted Talk
In this TED Talk, Susan Cain describes what it is like to be an introvert and challenges the idea that society should favor extroverted ways. For her and many others, introversion has been seen as an obstacle in society. Many introverts have been trying to hide their introversion in order to try to fit society’s definition of success. Susan Cain, however, challenges the idea that extroverted ways are better, and she explains that introverts have strengths and advantages too.
It is important to know that introversion is not the same as shyness, as Cain clarifies. Rather, she essentially describes introversion as being most energized and thoughtful when alone (). Although almost all shy people are likely introverts, not all introverts are shy. Also, she says that it is impossible to be a total introvert or a total extrovert (). All people are somewhat introverted and somewhat extroverted, but some fall on one end of the spectrum more than the other. It is evident in society that extroverted ways are favored. Society often tries to define success and what a successful person is like, as William Zinsser argues (). Cain describes a time in her childhood in which she was corrected for reading books, as it was not outgoing (). She later describes how schools are often set up to cater for extroverted ways (). Introverts may very well struggle in society sometimes. Steve Tobak alludes to the fact that some factors that contribute to one’s success are largely out of a person’s control, such as upbringing and luck (The American Dream is Alive and Well). Introversion is, in some cases, an obstacle to achieving what society deems to be the “American Dream”. As Susan Cain points out, though, introversion can actually sometimes be an advantage in attaining success. According to Cain, many of the most creative people are introverts (). She also says that people, when in a group, people tend to follow and mimic each other’s opinions and ideas, even when they do not realize it (). She says that it would be best for people to come up with their own ideas on their own and then come back together as a group and share their ideas (). By being free of the distractions and peer pressure of others, one is more likely to be able to come up with their own ideas without having to worry about harmful influence from others. This is a situation in which extroverts may actually have more trouble coming up with good ideas than introverts. Also, Cain states that introverts tend to get better grades and are more knowledgeable (). Lastly, many famous people, such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, and Gandhi appeared to be introverts, according to Cain (). Although society often places favor on extroverts, introverts also have strengths and advantages that can help them to succeed. Introversion can definitely be helpful for a person to have. Susan Cain, as she talks about the good things of introversion, wants to make it clear that group work and interaction is also important, and she does not say that introverts are better than extroverts. Rather, she tries to bring light to a subject that introverts are all too aware of. This TED Talk would be very useful to introverts who are feeling pressured to act more extroverted. Introverts, just like extroverts, have their strengths and weaknesses, but both are fully capable of accomplishing what is deemed by many to be the “American Dream”. This topic definitely affects me on a personal level, as I am mostly introverted. Group work can be a challenge for me, and I find myself best able to think when I am on my own. I do enjoy talking to people about thins I am passionate about, but I generally feel that I think better on my own. I believe that society should be more open to introverts, because I do agree that they have a major impact on society. |