Quiet

Our lives are driven by a fact that most of us can't name and don't understand. It defines who our friends and lovers are, which careers we choose, and whether we blush when we're embarrassed.

That fact is whether we're an introvert or an extrovert, the introvert/extrovert divide is the most fundamental dimension of personality. And at least a third of us are on the introverted side. Some of the world's most talented people are introverts. Without them we wouldn't have the Apple computer, the theory of relativity and Van Gogh's sunflowers.

Yet extroverts have taken over. Shyness, sensitivity and seriousness are often seen as being negative. Introverts feel reproached for being the way they are.

In Quiet, Susan Cain shows how the brain chemistry of introverts and extroverts differs, and how society misunderstands and undervalues introverts. She gives introverts the tools to better understand themselves and take full advantage of their strengths.

Passionately argued, superbly researched, and filled with real stories, Quiet will permanently change how we see introverts - and how you see yourself.

'Quiet is a startling, important and readable page-turner that will make quiet people see themselves in a whole new light.' Naomi Wolf, author of The Beauty Myth

'Happiness is...... Quiet, an extraordinary book that will change forever the way society views introverts. Superbly researched and deeply insightful, Quiet is an indispensable resource for anyone who wants to understand the gifts of the introverted half of the population.' Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project

'Quiet legitimizes and even celebrates the 'niche' that represents half the people in the world. Think Malcolm Gladwell for people who don't take themselves too seriously. Mark my words, this book will be a bestseller.' Guy Kawasaki, author of Enchantment

'Once in a blue moon, a book comes along that gives us startling new insights. Quiet is that book: part page-turner, part cutting-edge science, it will change the way you see yourself, other people, and the world.' Adam Grant, the Wharton School of Business

'An intriguing and potentially life-altering examination of the human psyche that is sure to benefit both introverts and extroverts alike.' Kirkus Reviews

'Gentle is powerful, and solitude is socially productive. These important counterintuitive ideas are among the many reasons to take Quiet to a quiet corner and absorb its brilliant, thought-provoking message.' Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Harvard Business School, and author of Confidence

'Those who value a quiet, reflective life will feel a burden lifting from their shoulders as they read Susan Cain's eloquent and well documented paean to introversion.' Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of Flow

'An elegant and powerful plea for introversion. Quiet will open up a new and different conversation on how we need to empower the legions of people who are disposed to be quiet, reflective and sensitive.' Brian Little, Cambridge University