1. sc_q_jayce

   Hmmm… I don’t know if I can agree with your conclusion. Especially since you categorize yourself as an introvert in your depiction, I don’t think it’s a viable conclusion to make, especially since you’re basing your conclusions on your own experience.

   Also, I would like to see how you’ve backed up your conclusions. Do you have sources to your reasonings? Could you point to an academic paper that links elitism to preference in one-on-one conversations? (This is regardless of whether I agree with your stance or not).

   As to the general flow of the topic:

   Introvert vs. Extrovert (An attack on introvertism by an introvert)

   Which characteristic is inherently better? Obviously the “PC” answer is to say that neither is better or worse than the other, they’re just different. But I don’t want to give a PC answer.

   So to solve this question, we gotta first answer the question of “how extroverted?” and “how introverted?” I think we can all agree that someone who is so extroverted that they don’t ever leave you alone, or that they’re afraid to be alone is too extroverted and is not desirable. I think we can also agree that someone who is so introverted that they are a hermit is also undesirable. Thus, rather than being a simple “Introvert vs. Extrovert” question, it is a question of degree.

   “The problem is, with most introverts, they may know themselves better, but this is a factor of the fact that they love themselves better. Introvertism has a sense of cowardice and selfishness involved in it.”

   I disagree with this conclusion. The conclusion is slanted. Selfishness? What makes it more selfish than an extrovert who wants to hang out with people because it’s their preference? Isn’t there cowardice in not wanting to spend time figuring out who they really are?

   “I spend time with myself getting to know myself because I am the only one worth knowing. I don’t want to engage others because others are will sap my energy or worse yet, challenge me.”

   Isn’t this the same *stereotypical* conclusion of the extrovert? That they don’t want to engage in themself because it’s energy draining and it will challenge the person? So the extrovert spends time with himself because it’s easier?

   “Worse yet, introvertism has an element of elitism. I want to spend time with this one particular person and get to know this person because this person is special to me and others are not.”

   Burden of proof that this is exclusive to introverts, and this means that you need to show that for extroverts that they hang out with all people equally, because if they favor certain people over others, then the elitism remains. Also, I don’t think elitism is really the right word to choose in defining the personality profiles of introverts and extroverts.

   “For an introvert to become extroverted requires much effort. Yes it may be unfair that some are created introverted when society loves the extrovert, but I believe most individuals have the capacity to overcome introvertedness and achieve some level of extrovertedness. I myself slept in the library during lunch when I was in high school so that I did not have to go out an interact with other people. ”

   Of course it takes much effort for an introvert to be an extrovert. It also takes much effort for an extrovert to be an introvert. Whether society loves the extrovert or not is irrelevent. I personally generally monastic and extremely introverted, but I can become extroverted with people. It just takes a lot of effort on my part - ’tis very draining. Fortunately, God has blessed me with a hyper ATP-powerhouse, so my energy to people seems limitless. Haha, praise God that I have a good means to use my energy.

   “This isn’t to say that there is no danger in extrovertism. Extroverts must beware that their interactions with people are not selfish. Some extroverts like to hang out because it is fun for them rather than trying to minister to the people they are hanging out with. This too can lead to elitism. Yet I think the danger for introverts is greater. Take heart introverts. Introvertism can be overcome. Call someone up and ask them to hang out!”

   Again, it appears that your views are just simply biased at the moment. You’ve not successfully pointed out traits exclusive to introvertedness that makes them the “weaker” or “stronger” personality trait. At least to me.

   Jan 6th, 2006

2. pwrchords

   i love this post. maybe because i’m E
   so weird… tor brought up those same concerns about introverted. did you guys talk about this before?

   Jan 6th, 2006

3. pwrchords

   ps. thanks for not being PC. that’s one of my favorite things about you!

   Jan 6th, 2006

4. ddfbjlee

   interesting post.

   could you define ‘introvert’ and ‘extrovert’ for me? how much time does one have to spend on oneself to be an introvert, and how much time does one have to spend on oneself to be an extrovert?

   is it selfish and elitist to sometimes want time to yourself? Christ oftentimes withdrew to spend time alone (well, with His Father). but at the same time, He definitely gave of Himself to everyone in need.

   are you suggesting that we all move towards one extreme?

   Jan 6th, 2006

5. Twin_Mustang

   both have strengths and weaknesses.

   Jan 7th, 2006

6. NDESTRUKTX

   being an extrovert is way way better =). the evolution into various social situations is…well…evolutionary superior! haha

   Jan 7th, 2006

7. kanfood

   It’s not about being introvert or extrovert…it’s about being socially adaptable. I for example like friendly introverts.  They won’t compete for attention yet they are fun to talk to.

   Jan 7th, 2006

8. SimplySi

   For some reason I think your understanding of introverts and extroverts is limited. In God’s design for people both are necessary. Fine, group me into the PC group. Only when we deliberately define each other as “extroverts” and “introverts” do we risk discriminating or as you say extroverts exhibiting “elitism”. Do you really think that there is a subconcious decision for one group to prefer the company of another to the point of choosing one over the other? And if you believe that not only is it subconcious, but a concious decision then that conclusion sounds completely unfounded. You say society loves the extrovert. How did you come to that conclusion? People may be more responsive to someone who is extroverted, but I don’t know how that translates to a “love” for people with that personality type. I’m not trying to hate on your stance, but stance seems to be affected by some personal devaluing of who you are based on what you’ve allowed the word introvert to be connoted as. Being an introvert doesn’t mean you want to be by yourself all the time, and not initiating with people is not a quality of introverts, it is a reflection of one’s lack of ability to initiate. If there exists a need to “overcome” introversion, then isn’t that like saying there’s a need to overcome a certain handicap? I for one do not believe being an introvert is a handicap, I use it as a strength.
    
   - INFJ

   Jan 9th, 2006

9. KingdomSheepDog

   Just to post a related question:  Is Jesus an introvert or extrovert?  Please support your answer with Scripture. 

   Jan 9th, 2006

10. kuangkai

    cool post–i think somewhere before on your xanga you talked about ‘labeling’–uh, i think it was ‘kingdom christians’.  it’s probably better overall to avoid labels, in my humble opinion–personalities are different with different people (how open/honest you are, willingness to share deep dark secrets, history, background, how well you know them, etc.) and the same person in different circumstances in the presence of different people can really be either. 

    as far as was Jesus an introvert or an extrovert? 

    He was extroverted 

    “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:19-20)  He sought out people and they followed Him. 

    Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them (He was surrounded by people)

    Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.   (He used His extroversion for ministry)

    He was introverted

    Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.  (Mark 1:35)

    Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places.  (Mark 1:45, He knew when He could be public and when He had to be private)

    Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed.  (Mark 3:7, He had his loyal 12)

    It’s probably safe to say that He had both personality traits…=)   

    Jan 10th, 2006

11. KingdomSheepDog

    Very balanced view. I couldn’t have said it better. Thanks.

    Jan 12th, 2006

12. kuangkai

    if kingdomsheepdog is who i think it is, i’m SURE you could have said it better…=) 

    Jan 13th, 2006

13. allclear

    i think you’re confusing introversion and extroversion with outgoing vs. shy.  i don’t think extroverts are necessarily bad at introspection (as a huge extrovert my whole life, i’d also like to consider myself as pretty self-aware and able to take a good hard look at myself, and spend time alone pretty well & happily) nor are introverts people that always hole up wanting to hang out alone all the time. 

    i think extroverts draw energy from being around a lot of people in a wide variety of capacities while introverts draw energy from being alone or with one (maybe two) other people.  i know shy/quiet extroverts who would get lost in a crowd, but LOVE it, and outgoing introverts who can work a crowd or love meeting new people but are simply exhausted afterwards.

    this whole topic need a spirited, live hashing out so i’ll stop there for now.

    Jan 17th, 2006

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