This is an absolutely brilliant talk from a former corporate lawyer and a current writer, and a self-proclaimed introvert. She discusses her uncomfortable childhood; having to hide her introversion in a world dominated by extroverts.

She makes a compelling and passionate case for introducing more of a balance between introverts and extroverts in our school lives and our work lives, allowing for introverts to work the way that they desire: on their own. While it’s great that extroverts are there – and collaboration is vital – the extroverted mode of learning and performing should not be thrust upon introverts.

She is in no way saying that introverts are better than extroverts (ok, she kinda does a couple of times) but the real thing she is trying to say is that introverts shouldn’t be discouraged, alienated, or considered to have a problem if they just want to work on their own.

I think it’s a talk that really speaks to the geek community. While many of us are extroverted creatures (which is one reason why geekiness has become the flavor of the decade), many of us operate best in the quiet hovels of our room where our imaginations and analytical minds are free to build and construct without the disturbance of outside forces.

One third to a half of all humans fall on the introverted side of the scale; surely our education systems and places of work should be accommodating for this kind of personality. And by doing so, who knows what the creatures of solitude may invent when given the peace and quiet they need to coax out their genius.

So tell us geeks, on which side of the balance do you fall? Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Let us know in the comments section below!

[Via TED]