The Atlantic Online has published an insightful article on the topic of introversion. Among other points, the article tries to dispel one myth: that introverts are, by definition, shy. Introverts suffer less from shyness than from simply not needing as much human interaction as other people, and especially not as much as extroverts.
Speaking of extroverts, the article was almost as much about extrovert bashing as it was an exploration of the topic of introversion. Also, I save the “oppressed” label for people with real problems, suffering true oppression, so the article’s labeling of introverts as such was a bit much. Still, all and all it’s worth the time to read, expecially for folks who deal with (potential) introverts (large parts of the hi-tech industry).
One of my favorite albums, (long since out of print, and only available via MP3!), is Neil Young’s introspective work called On the Beach. Perhaps after reading the Atlantic article I’ve a better understanding of my affinity for this album. Here are a couple of relevant lyrics:
I’m deep inside myself, but I’ll get out somehow, … Motion Pictures, Neil Young
I need a crowd of people, but I can’t face them day to day. On the Beach, Neil Young
Any chance of sharing the provenance of those On The Beach mp3s with another desperate case?