Jul 22, 2015

I just saw an interesting TED talk on Introverts and Extroverts presented by Susan Cain who, originally a finance lawyer and as an introvert herself, has written a book on introversion. Her argument is that introverts, who purportedly make up about 30 to 50% of the population, are often marginalised and do not get to contribute their best because of extroverted practices in the workplace and school classroom.

She makes some interesting points and it is well worth seeing. For those who are prone to extroversion, you might learn something about those around you. For the introverts, you might feel empowered.

I would argue one thing, however.

As Cat Stevens said in his profound song Father and Son, “From the moment I could talk, I was ordered to listen.” Back in Victorian and Edwardian times, the above was definitely the norm; children were seen and not heard. Group work in classrooms was forbidden and offices had offices not open plan.

Perhaps we have just moved into the age of the extrovert!