A mistake many of us make is that we see these two different personality types as complete opposites. it’s actually worth remembering that we’re all on a spectrum. therefore, you may have extraverted or introverted behaviors depending on the context and situation. but we are still more likely to be at one end of the spectrum than the other.
so one thing we need to make clear up front is that a lot of the information you can find on this topic will have more to do with “folk psychology” than peer-reviewed scientific studies. It’s been a long time since Carl Jung coined the terms “interversion-extroversion” in his book, Psychological Types. Actually, it wasn’t that long before this interest in the introverted personality picked up again. it started in the 2000s.
You are reading: Books on understanding introverts
It was then that neuropsychological research began to try to explain how introverted brains process information. It’s also the same golden age when books like “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain came out. and little by little, we saw the beginnings of a new science about the introverted personality.
It’s also worth noting that unreliable and heavily researched facts are mixed nowadays. we are not going to mention that without reason. it’s common to come across classic articles that look at the introverted personality as having amazing and magical virtues. but in reality introverts have to deal with all their limitations just like extroverts. They strive to get to know themselves a little better with their best and worst abilities. they also learn strategies to reach their full potential.
One way to do the latter things is by reading some of the world’s most helpful peer-reviewed scientific books and journals.
the best books to understand the introverted personality
You may not have noticed, our most classic literature has always had unforgettable protagonists who were clearly introverted. Thus, for example, there is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, the portrait of the “Great Gatsby” by F. scott fitzgerald, anne elliot from jane austen’s novel persuasion, or the rich characters that virginia woolf portrayed so forcefully in the waves.
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all of these characters were fascinating and gave some excellent lessons on how to get through things. of course, they also struggled in the complex psychological worlds that often alienated them from their own society. That last feeling, the feeling of being misunderstood, is the most characteristic of an introverted personality.
It is also the starting point for many books by psychologists and journalists specializing in this subject. so what they try to do is explain why this feeling exists and how to use the values of this personality type to achieve success. And now we’re going to look at some of the books that can help you understand the introverted personality much better.
1. quiet: the power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking, susan cain
something interesting that susan cain points out is how introversion and extroversion are not polar opposites. they are actually two dimensions that can appear in all of us in many different ways. but you have to find that perfect place that puts you in the best place to develop. so you can grow psychologically and emotionally.
quiet is an inspiring book that marked a clear start and tried to clear up many misconceptions. for example, how introverts lack social skills, or how people with this personality type are not likely to attain positions of power because they lack the traits that define a leader.
2. the highly sensitive person: how to thrive when the world overwhelms you, elaine aron
We’ve probably already mentioned the highly sensitive person elsewhere on this site. Scientists estimate that 60-70% of introverted people are also highly sensitive. so although not all introverts are very sensitive, this book compiles strategies, ideas and theories that can help you understand this personality type much better.
3. introverted power: why your inner life is your hidden strength, laurie helgoe
laurie helgoe is a psychologist known for all the work she has done on the introverted personality. in introverted power she explains how you can tap into that inner strength. She talks about channeling your energy through solitude and reflection to reach your full potential and have better relationships in your personal and work life.
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is a practical book where he explains how society has always focused more on extroverted personalities. and also explains how we can start to change that approach.
4. the awakened introvert, arnie kozak
This book is amazing for one simple reason: It gives you mindfulness techniques designed for introverts. it also tries to enhance all the natural abilities of introverts, such as the power of observation, creativity and introspection. that way you can achieve success and turn all those built-in talents into useful tools for your daily life.
5. The Introvert Advantage: How Quiet People Can Thrive in an Extroverted World, Marti Olsen Laney
dr. Marti Olsen Laney is another author who is well known for bringing interesting studies on the introverted personality to the public. so these are some of the wide range of things he offers strategies for in his many posts:
- how to improve self-confidence in extroverted dominant areas.
- how to survive in places where noise and overstimulation are the norm.
- finally, how to deal with even situations where introverts feel their energy draining away. can be work meetings, parties, public events and many other things…
6. the hidden gifts of the introverted child: how to help your child thrive in an extroverted world, marti olsen laney
we are listing one more book by dr. Olsen Laney to finish this list. the book asks a really important question: how can you help your introverted child? You will usually see an introverted child in his classroom or in a city park disconnected from everyone else and closed in his own world. There’s nothing wrong with that, but giving them strategies from a young age will help them get to know each other better and get the most out of their talents.
This book is perfect for moms, dads, and educators. is a simple guide to improve family and social dynamics that is really interesting and also very useful.
Before we continue, we want to mention that there is much more material on introverted personalities. these are all interesting and important books that will help you get to know yourself a little better.