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The Introvert Advantage

How to Thrive in An Extrovert World
Nov 24, 2014cstadt rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Although our culture clearly has a bias against introversion (compare dictionary definitions of introversion and extroversion) author Marti Olsen Laney argues that introverts are not dysfunctional extroverts. There are real physiological differences between the two, including differing neural pathways and neurotransmitters. She also distinguishes introversion from shyness, and argues that introverts are not by definition anti-social. Because extroverts outnumber introverts 3:1, our society is geared towards that temperament, and introverts can experience shame in trying to unsuccessfully live their lives in a way they are simply not designed to. Introverts, Laney argues, are like tulips. “Given the right conditions, tulips are hardy and bloom longer than many other flowers. But they won’t bloom at all if conditions are inhospitable. Introverts are like that, too.” And that’s nothing to be ashamed of. “Because of the way we are put together, we require a particular kind of care and feeding. We need to harness our energy, get the right rhythm, and implement our objectives while protecting our internal resources.”