Author makes case for introverts

Shy. Arrogant. Weird. Unfriendly. There’s no shortage of ways in which introverts can be misunderstood in our society – but a best-selling book comes to their defense. In her new book “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that can’t Stop Talking” Susan Cain discusses why some of the smartest people might go unnoticed in our society.

Cain has worked as a successful corporate lawyer and consultant – from the looks of her resume, she certainly appears to be an outgoing powerhouse. Yet she describes herself as an introvert. “I prefer listening to talking, reading to socializing, and cozy chats to group settings. I like to think before I speak (softly).  I’ve never given a speech without being terrified first, though I’ve given many,” states Cain on her web site.

In their weekly conversation, WHYY’s behavioral health reporter Maiken Scott and psychologist Dan Gottlieb talk about Cain’s research on introverts, and why their contributions are often undervalued.