Myth #12: Introverts are sneaky (they’re sly and devious)
Truth: We value solitude
This is one of the more bizarre myths about introverts out there. Some people assume that because introverts go off by themselves a lot, they have something to hide. Many people also become suspicious of introverts, especially when they share so little of themselves to the world. The truth is, introverts aren’t evil or sneaky. Perhaps some possess these traits, but most introverts simply need alone-time to re-cooperate and revitalize – not build bombs or swindle people.
Myth #13: Introverts are shy
Truth: We are reserved
It’s true that many shy people are introverted. Yet not all introverts are shy – they’re just reserved, or in other words, they like to keep to themselves and not involve themselves in the affairs of other people too much. The difference between shyness and introversion is that shy people are scared of social contact, introverts aren’t. They just prefer to avoid it in large quantities.
Myth #14: Introverts have low self-esteem
Truth: We are sensitive but strong
Of course, low self-esteem is common to many people, and introverts are no exception. But most importantly, introversion is not defined by possessing low self-esteem. Even extroverts and ambiverts have low self-esteem. The point is, by default, introverts don’t suffer poor self-esteem. Being quiet and detached from other people at times is not an instant marker of self-hatred or poor self-confidence.
Myth #15: Introversion is an affliction that can be fixed
Truth: Introversion isn’t curable, nor is it an affliction
If introversion is a deeply embedded personality temperament mostly determined by genetics, then it can’t be “cured.” It’s also false to assume that introversion is some kind of curse that should be fixed. Certainly, being introverted has many downfalls (including all the false myths described in this article), but it also has many perks and positives. In many ways, it’s actually a gift.
Introverts, Self-Growth, and Spirituality:
Introversion and spirituality is a topic that is rarely covered. Yet when we consider the origins of the word introvert (from introverted meaning to turn within), we find an intriguing correlation between this personality type and a thirst for self-growth.
According to Lexico, the word introvert was first recorded in the 17th century and came to mean to “turn one’s thoughts inwards (in spiritual contemplation’).“
How intriguing is that? The concept of introversion was first connected to spiritual contemplation.
And indeed, we notice that many figures throughout spirituality are introverted such as Gautama Buddha, Moses, Lao Tzu – and pretty much any mystic or sage you can think of share this trait.
How many loud, outgoing, and gregarious spiritual figures can you think of? I’m sure there are a few (such as the Dalai Llama). But most are on the quiet and reclusive end.
Related: Why The Introverted Mind Takes Longer To Process Things and How It’s A Good Thing
Why do introverts incline so deeply toward spirituality and self-growth?
The answer is that they have an innate knack for it. As an introvert’s energy is already turned inwards, it’s not that great a leap to enter the spiritual path.
Indeed, at some point or another, many introverts undergo what is known as a spiritual awakening process. And to some extent, nearly all introverts are fascinated by the question “What is the meaning of life?” This deep question (that requires a lot of inward-looking!) naturally expands to all aspects of life.
Some introverts, for example, gradually discover that they’re empaths or old souls, while others discover great meaning and purpose in their spiritual gifts. Others keep searching and eventually use their introversion to fuel mystical experiences, moments of Oneness, or self-realization.
The path of Involution
When we’re talking about introverts, self-growth, and spirituality, probably one of the most suited paths is that of Involution.
Involution is a philosophy of life – it means consciously committing to internal transformation. (How perfectly suited to introversion does this sound … ?!)
There are seven paths of Involution that you can explore. Each one builds upon the other and helps you to grow as a person, on all levels. See our Involution article to learn more about this fascinating, transformational path if you’re an introvert who’s interested in spiritual growth.
Related: The Quiet Introvert: 5 Reasons Why An Introvert Isn’t Talking
35 Enlightening Books For Introverts On Silence, Solitude, and Simplicity
Books. They are loyal companions and the truest of friends. They’re the only objects you can buy that make you richer, and your investment of time in them is often returned to you tenfold.
Understandably, introverts love books. They are doors that allow us to access opportunities for greater insight and understanding about other people, ourselves, and the world – and that’s right up our alley.
Books are perhaps the single most valuable and inspiring tools we can welcome into our lives as introverts. Because of that reason, I’ve compiled a list of books to read for introverts below. All these books should, in one way or another, make you proud of your introverted tendencies:
Man and Solitude
– Desolation Angels, by Jack Kerouac
– Stillness: Daily Gifts of Solitude, by Richard Mahler
– Alone, by Richard E. Byrd
– Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness, by Edward Abbey
– Solitude: Seeking Wisdom in Extremes – A Year Alone in the Patagonia Wilderness, by Robert Kull
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