All talks
Courage19 min

The power of introverts

Watch directly on YouTube

About this talk

Susan Cain argues that schools and workplaces are built for extroverts, and that we all lose out when introverts feel they have to pretend. She makes a warm case for solitude, quiet thinking and a better balance between working alone and together.

  • 19 min
  • Courage
  • by Susan Cain
Watch the talk

Key notes

What to take away.

  1. 01
    Introversion isn't shyness

    Shyness is fear of social judgement; introversion is about how much stimulation you need to feel at your best.

  2. 02
    One in two or three of us

    A third to a half of people are introverts, yet schools and offices are mostly designed for extroverts.

  3. 03
    Quiet people can lead well

    Cain points to Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks and Gandhi, who all described themselves as quiet or shy.

  4. 04
    Solitude feeds creativity

    Many creative people are good at sharing ideas but also need time alone to think.

  5. 05
    The best talker isn't the best thinker

    Groups tend to follow the most confident voice, so let people think alone first, then come together.

  6. 06
    Open your suitcase

    Unplug and get inside your own head more often, and now and then share what you carry with others.

Read next

Books by Susan Cain

Watch next

More talks like this

All talks