Ideas change everything

The power of introverts

35,373,680 plays|

Susan Cain |

TED2012

• February 2012

In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Susan Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Susan Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

This talk was presented at an official TED conference.

Read our curation guidelines.

About the speaker

Author, explorer of hidden superpowers

See speaker profile

With her viral talk from TED2012 and her mega-bestseller "Quiet," Susan Cain urged society to cultivate space for the undervalued, indispensable introverts among us. Now, with her new bestseller "Bittersweet," she's back to explore the surprising lessons sorrow and longing teach us about creativity, connection and love.

Learn more

Since the Talk: The year of the introvert

Susan Cain’s talk was viewed nearly four million times in its first year online. Here, she shares how she coped with all the attention.

Stick up for the quiet kids in the classroom

A conversation with Susan Cain on how we can encourage positive growth in introverted kids while still nurturing who they are.

Podcast: Quiet — The Power of Introverts

Check out Susan Cain's podcast series on parenting and teaching introverted children.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference.

Read our curation guidelines.