7 Things We Can Learn From Introverted People
For much of his childhood, Albert Einstein was not exactly a great student, but more introverted. However, this changed over time as he became one of the most important scientists of the 20th century and developed theories in physics that only geniuses can remember today.
Many biographies have been written about his life and all insist on one thing: he had an introverted personality. Like Einstein, many people who are known for their intelligence and creativity are introverted. Two other examples are Bill Gates and Gandhi.
Many, however, are a cross between an introvert and an extrovert. There are extroverts who can be shy in certain situations, just as there are introverts who can be social.
Studies regarding being introverted and extroverted, respectively
The first person to work on this concept was Carl Jung. In the book Psychological Types , Jung talks about two ways of behaving that define each person. It is partly the behaviors that focus on the outside, others and society, and partly those that are aimed at the private sphere. These two ways of behaving define two psychological types: extroverts and introverts.
Jung also associated these two psychological types with two archetypes. He associated introverts with Apollo (introspection, rationality and moderation) and extroverts with Dionysus (disorder, the search for new things and an interest in sensations).
The German psychologist Hans Eysenck also studied the subject, but he chose the scientific method. Eysenck focused on biological and genetic aspects of humans. In other words, he did not focus on what is learned through experience, but what is expressed by adapting to one’s surroundings.
For this reason, Eysenck saw the relationship between being introverted and extroverted as a dimension that exists in everyone and that is defined by our psychology and stimuli from the outside world.
What you can learn from introverted people
Harvard University conducted a study to analyze different patterns in the brains of people who have been identified as introverts. In this study, it was discovered that introverts have a greater amount of gray matter that is also thicker in certain parts of the brain that are related to abstract thinking and decision making.
This is why introverted people dedicate more time to abstract thinking and are considered less impulsive. They think more about details and are more uncomfortable in situations where you can not escape from a social situation and where you can only work in groups. Below we will analyze some of the things that can be learned from introverted people.
Knowing how to deal with loneliness
Introverts know how to be alone and take advantage of this by reading, going to the movies, writing, shopping, traveling, etc. They enjoy their time and everything they do. They do not need to have anyone else nearby. The reason for this is that introverts recharge their batteries when they are alone.
Knowing how to listen
When introverts speak, they do so after reflecting and listening. They prefer to be quiet and think about what others are saying and then comment on this. Their behavior is not determined by fear of interrupting a conversation. It is rather that they do not want to speak until they are sure that they add value to the conversation.
To be analytical and reflective
Introverted people make decisions based on previous experiences through investigation, observation and interpretation. They like to test, analyze and think, and they tend not to be impulsive.
To be careful
A study conducted at Cornell University (New York) concluded that introverts show a higher level of stimulation in the brain when processing visual information, which helps them discover details that are not noticed by other people.
To enjoy social relationships in a different way
Introverts also like their relationships with other people, but in a different way than extroverts. Introverts prefer socializing on two hands. They avoid large groups where they are forced to choose a social role, and are overwhelmed by stimuli.
To be sensitive
Although introverts may seem cold and distancing, they are usually quite sensitive. In fact, most literary works that describe emotions in prominent ways tend to be written by introverted individuals.
To be creative
Reflection and insight are qualities that introverts have and this makes them more creative. They take advantage of their loneliness to reflect. In this way, they can achieve higher levels of concentration, allowing them to create new things and solve problems.
