Why I Wish You a Year Full of Surprise
Author: Susan Cain
Photo by John Goodwin via onbeing.org
Hi everyone, happy new year!
One of the best side benefits of writing QUIET is having discovered a group of readers who share similar tastes and sensibilities. I’d like to take advantage of this by regularly passing on articles, books, essays, music, podcasts, etc., that have moved me or made me think. Please do the same, and we’ll end up with quite a collection!
For today, here’s the great spiritual leader Abraham Joshua Heschel (via Krista Tippett’s radio program, “On Being” – also recommended to me by a reader.)
“The meaning of life is to treat your life like a work of art. An individual dies when [s]he ceases to be surprised. I am surprised every morning when I see the sunshine again. When I see an act of evil, I’m not accommodated to the violence. I’m still surprised. So I can fight against it.”
Happy new year — and please share your own recommendations!
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The acclaimed New York Times bestseller, now in paperback:
"Rich, intelligent... enlightening."
Bill Gates names 
QUIET has been voted the best nonfiction book of 2012
by Goodreads.com
I absolutely loved your book! Definitely THE book of 2012.
I have been a professional cricketer for 12 years-a truly extroverted environment for an introvert to try and excel in!
I am starting to look into studying how the introvert/extrovert balance effects sportspeople.
Keep up the good work
With regards
Will Jefferson
Here’s one: “The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking” by Oliver Burkemann
Read “20,000 DAYS AND COUNTING” over the Holidays — among other things, it made me think about the fact the quality of my life will never exceed the quality of my questions.
Absolutely loved your book. Being an introvert myself, and having a life long interest in learning about social & human behaviors, psychology, mindset, etc. I’m amazed at how much your book had me constantly saying ‘of course’ to myself. Great book for understanding people which is useful for anything in life. I feel like this book could fall under about 50 categories.
Another book I’d recommend is StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath. Focus on and amplify your strengths, rather than spend all your time trying to make your weaknesses better.
Great idea to share books we’ve enjoyed! Although it doesn’t really have anything to do with introversion, I love Anne Lamott’s nonfiction: Traveling Mercies, Operating Instructions, Bird by Bird. She’s insightful, funny, quirky, and wonderful to read. She has an amazing inner life.
Susan, I really LOVE the youtube videos (TED Talk, Google, etc.) about Quiet. It’s so great to read and see someone who affirms introversion. You are such an encouragement!