Introversion and extroversion are two different
personality types. Based off of the theories of Carl
Jung, the two personality preferences are based on
where you focus your attention and direct your
energy . The two personality types are classified as
preferences because nearly everyone spends at
least some time in their secondary “mode.”
A small minority of people spend a roughly equal
amount of time introverting and extroverting; these
interesting folks are known as “ambiverts.”
However, the personality of most people can be
classified into one of the two main types.
The differences in personality types result from
how our brains are wired and the variances in brain
chemistry. Our environment can also influence how
much we alter between types.
The brains of introverts and extroverts are
activated (aroused) under different circumstances.
Extroverts require more stimulation from the
outside world, which is where these individuals gain
their energy. Introverts are stimulated internally and
quickly deplete their energy with too much social
interaction.
Here is the basic breakdown of Extroversion from
the Myers & Briggs Foundation, administrators of
the infamous Myers-Briggs Typology Indicator
(MBTI) test. According to Myers & Briggs,
extroverts:
- Get their energy from active involvement in
events and various activities.
- Are excited and are energized around other
people.
- Prefer to take action first and think later.
- Are often seen as “outgoing” or as a “people
person.”
- Have a wide range of friends and know many
people.
- Are often seen as great motivators who inspire
those they are around.
- Often dive into a project, hoping to figure out the
details as they go along.
Terms that are often used when describing
extroverts include:
Sociable; warm; friendly; happy; enthusiastic;
inclusive; aggressive; forthright; impulsive; thrill-
seeker; interactive; engaging; open; charismatic;
networker; attention-seeker; energetic; risk-taker
In general, extroversion is viewed more positively
in Western society than elsewhere. The reason for
this is that extroverts outnumber introverts by
about 3 to 1 in the United States and a few
European countries. This number drops significantly
as you move eastward from the U.S. on a map.
Extroverts also have higher levels of subjective
happiness than introverts do; often displaying more
positive, outward emotions. This group is well
known for making people feel welcome,
comfortable, and cared for. Because of this
disposition, extroverts make excellent managers,
coaches, leaders, politicians, counselors and
teachers.
Famous extroverts include:
– Bill Clinton, 42 nd President of the United States
– Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first female Prime
Minister
– Michael Jordan, Basketball great and Hall of
Fame inductee
– Boris Yeltsin, Russian president from 1990 to
2000
– Muhammad Ali, former professional boxer and 3-
time heavyweight champion
– Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister and
Nobel Prize winner
– George W. Bush, 43 rd President of the United
States
– Oscar Wilde, famous Playwright
– Martin Luther King Jr., Civil rights activist
– Oprah Winfrey, famous talk show host and
philanthropist
According the Myers & Briggs Foundation introverts:
- Get their energy from ideas, pictures, memories
and other thoughts
- Energy is quickly depleted by socializing too
much.
- Prefer to take reflect first and take action later.
- Are often seen as “reflective” or “reserved.”
- Have a smaller circle of friends, but have deeper
relationships.
- Often spend too much time reflecting; sometimes
regretting not “taking action” sooner.
- Often lay out a project in detail before diving in.
Terms that are often used when describing
introverts include:
Reflective; reserved; quiet; aloof; shy; creative;
thoughtful; risk-averse; individualistic; lone-wolf;
idea-producer; introspective; deep; listener;
methodical; solitude-seeker; planner; conflict-
averse
Introverts are the minority in Western society
(especially in the United States) and as a result
often feel out of place. In other parts of the world,
especially in Asia, introverts constitute the majority.
Other countries with a significant introverted
population include: Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and
Switzerland.
Due to the common misconceptions of introverts,
they are not generally seen as a “happy” group.
However, introverts are “happy” – just under
different circumstances. Too much social
interaction drains introverts of their relatively limited
energy supply, while solitude and quiet
environments recharge them – the exact opposite
of their extroverted counterparts.
Because of their ability to work independently,
meticulous attention to detail, and ability to
concentrate for long durations of time, introverts
often make great scientists, writers, engineers,
architects, librarians and analysts.
Famous introverts include:
– Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United
States
– Albert Einstein, renowned theoretical physicist;
developed theory of relativity
– Barack Obama, 44th and current President of the
United States
– Mahatma Gandhi, leader of Indian independence
movement
– Charles Darwin, founder of the theory of evolution
– Rosa Parks, African-American Civil Rights activist
– Warren Buffett, business magnate, investor and
philanthropist
– Joe DiMaggio, former Yankee and Hall of Fame
baseball player
– Edgar Allen Poe, famous author and poet
– Vladimir Putin, current President of Russia
As clearly seen, introverts and extroverts have very
diverse personalities. There is no “right” or “wrong”
personality type – just different. Your brain and
environment both shape the tendency to lean
towards one end of the spectrum, with the strongest
influence being the chemical makeup of your brain.
Researchers have concluded that there is no
significant difference in intelligence or ability.
Despite the misconceptions that each type may or
may not have about the other, both types of have
important roles to play in society, at home, and in
the workplace.

To long can't read it abeg when I no write jamb I go they read this kind long thing

Am introvert

Chimarto:
Am introvert

who ask you.

You go carry long newspaper post here

Hazardd:

who ask you.

You go carry long newspaper post here

Lol

Introverted.

Proudly introverted

Moderately introverted. I do have my uninhibited moments once in a crazy while.

i'm an introvert nd m happy to be..

I'm none of them.

Lol.. every one is claiming introvert now.. No price would be given oh


by the way, I'm an introvert

Op,

Arrange the write-up better and place a source to it and it will be super.

A good read.

Great write up!
2nd part describes me almost perfectly.
Introvert at the core,
then extrovert occasionally when I am with my friends or when I choose to be.

Saw on NL today that most people on active forums are introverts.....guess they prefer relating with people on computer screens than on the streets, seems like that is proving itself here

mhyra:
Lol.. every one is claiming introvert now.. No price would be given oh


by the way, I'm an introvert

OGeeKush:
i'm an introvert nd m happy to be..

Oahray:
Moderately introverted. I do have my uninhibited moments once in a crazy while.

MzNelly:
Introverted.

Only introverts would have the patience to read the long prose there. Boring to the extroverts obviously..

100% Introvert

DonX001:
Great write up!
2nd part describes me almost perfectly.
Introvert at the core,
then extrovert occasionally when I am with my friends or when I choose to be.

Saw on NL today that most people on active forums are introverts.....guess they prefer relating with people on computer screens than on the streets, seems like that is proving itself here

you just described me there on the 2nd part of your comment

omicron:


Only introverts would have the patience to read the long prose there. Boring to the extroverts obviously..

you garrit, our patience is unrivalled

Mesef I introvert join

introvert. I Don tayo jare.

I'm an extroverted introvert. Not overly excited about anything, loves thinking and having my quiet time but very playful and frisky and loves frolicking. Hates too many friends (especially talkatives) but loves hanging out with few. guess I have two opposite ends.

DonX001:
Great write up!
2nd part describes me almost perfectly.
Introvert at the core,
then extrovert occasionally when I am with my friends or when I choose to be.

Saw on NL today that most people on active forums are introverts.....guess they prefer relating with people on computer screens than on the streets, seems like that is proving itself here

Same here.

Junki04:
you just described me there on the 2nd part of your comment

major466:

Same here.

Lol, introverts gathering....
We plenty for here!

So where are the extroverts then??
No extroverts for Nairaland??
Where's that Idowuogbo sef....she seems like a diehard extrovert, abi na only on NL she get mouth?

Nor nor who be introvert or extrovert but I knw that 90% of nairalanders ar introverts sum one prove me wrong