Quiet!

Our discussion began with a quote from the book one of the readers liked. "Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know. Lao Zi probably never intended his thought to be immortalized in print, but it certainly helped make the author's point. Some of the group felt the book was "a pat on the back" and "rah-rah for introverts". All agreed that the book really was  "A Manifesto for Introverts" and a big hug for introverts everywhere. It's OK to be who you are. And the author backed this up by mentioning several influential people who were introverts: Eleanor Roosevelt and Steve Wozniak to name two. Both were people who listened first and foremost, then acted upon the knowledge they gained through listening and watching. These examples helped make the author's point that introverts can be good leaders, because they do not rush to judge, and think before acting.

The chapter on the differences between Asian and Western students elicited the most discussion, and it was agreed that this was a most interesting chapter. The author interviewed several Asian high school students to determine if their personalities (introverted) helped them succeed in school. Most of the Asian students studies hard, usually did not go out and socialize with friends, and spent their free time getting ahead in their studies. Western students, on the other hand, placed a high level of importance of participation in activities (sports, band and clubs) and generally having lots of social relationships. These things were not important to the Asian students, who felt that was all a waste of time, and grades and academic achievement were their top priorities. One reader felt bad for the Asian students: they were missing out on all the activities that would make them more well-rounded individuals. But the cultural differenced won't be changed easily, and if the students are comfortable with their lifestyle, then good for them. The author did follow a few of the students after they graduated high school and started college. These students felt isolated and a bit overwhelmed by the college environment, where they were in the minority. In high school, they were the majority, and their way of doing was celebrated. College was different, and adjusting wasn't easy.

All in all, the group did like the book, and thought it was worth reading, but wished it would have been more balanced, and not tilted towards reverence for the introvert way of life.