In our society, the ideal self is bold, gregarious, and comfortable in the spotlight. We like to think that we value individuality, but mostly we admire the type of individual who’s comfortable "putting himself out there."

What if you love knowledge for its own sake, not necessarily as a blueprint to action? What if you wish there were more, not fewer reflective types in the world?

There's zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.

Evangelicalism has taken the Extrovert Ideal to its logical extreme...If you don't love Jesus out loud, then it must not be real love. It's not enough to forge your own spiritual connection to the divine; it must be displayed publicly.

We put too much of a premium on presenting and not enough on substance and critical thinking.

Though shyness per se was unacceptable, reserve was a mark of good breeding.

When you're more focused in getting your message across than you are worrying about how people are viewing you, that's huge.