Extrovert Ideal Chapter Summary

The book centers on the main topic of extroverts versus introverts. The author, Susan Cain, explores the comparison between the two and explains the societal bias toward extroversion. She explains the “Extrovert Ideal”, an image of an admirable self that is outgoing and confident in the spotlight of others. American culture glorifies the social skills of the extrovert. The introvert is undervalued. Throughout the piece, Cain includes the usage of actual experiences not only by herself, but by various introverts, regarding the situation of having to step out of the comfort zone. Cain also alludes to multiple studies on introversion in proximity to extroversion.
Cain utilizes the introvert and extrovert stereotypes to better help the readers understand her logic; however she constantly clarifies the point that …show more content…
She claims that introverts need time to calm their minds down after social stimulus whereas extroverts need time to socialize after being alone for a period. Cain describes introverts as highly sensitive, and extroverts as highly reactive. Introverts are focused on observation and inspection, while extroverts are focused on response. Cain also gives specific examples of the skills of introverts versus extroverts. For example, introverts are able to function well without sleep compared to extroverts. Introverts are less likely to exercise, yet more likely to learn from their mistakes. Introverts think about accuracy, and extroverts trade that for speed. Introverts are not as skilled in the process of multitasking as their extroverted peers. Introverts are less likely to seek rewards and are better at making, and sticking to, a plan. Introverts dwell in the past and look towards the future, unlike extroverts who direct their attention on the present. The “what if?” question is geared at the introverted and the “what is?” question is geared at the

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