Carl Jung invented the words ‘extraversion’ and ‘introversion.’ He did it to distinguish the two worlds in which all peoples live. He suggested there is a world outside of ourselves and there is a world inside ourselves. We all live in both worlds. Here, we look to that world inside ourselves, the world of the Introversion.
Coda: No Judgement is Implied
We like to start by clarifying that the terms ‘extraversion’ and ‘introversion’ – designating people as Extroverts and Introverts does not imply any judgement of one type over another. These words tell you where people get their energy and how they spend energy. Neither type is better than the other, and good-bad does not enter into our discussion of Extroverted-Introverted people. All we are showing here is how people obtain energy and their preferred way of spending energy. Extrovert and Introvert are neutral terms with no judgement.
The World of the Introvert
People who prefer Introversion like to focus on the inner world of experience and reflection. Too much interaction with others can drain them; Introverts often need time to be alone to recharge their energy.
Characteristics of people who prefer Introversion:
- can be introspective, self aware
- possess a rich, hidden inner world
- may be very observant of the environment and people
- work out ideas with internal reflection, internal thinking
- may hold back with their responses and in social situations
- conversing with new people may take effort; inner boundaries are protected
- take initiative when the matter is important to them
- seek affirmation, confirmation, verification from their inner experience
So, if we do a little mind-map of introversion, then we may summarize Introversion like so:
Introverts and Human Values
We may easily identify human values in the activities of introverts. Introverts recharge their energy internally, principally by taking time alone. External activity and interaction with many people may leave them drained of energy. They generate focus internally with good comprehension skills, and may take their time to comprehend and respond to stimuli. In discussing ideas, their response tends to come from their energy. They can be stimulated by ideas, creativity and inner thoughts. They have a rich inner world, somewhat private and contained by boundaries. Admission to this inner world often brings suprise and reassesment of their (hidden) interests and character.
Some say “What you see is what you get!” This is not the case with introverts, who have deep, inner resources.
Integrity is a critical value for introverts, who do not suffer falsity. Awareness of their environment (both inner and outer) leads to self-awareness. Truthfulness, understanding and the spirit of inquiry are values well known unto introverts. Holding back with their responses show consideration, discipline and observing, a value of peace, Appreciation and taking initiative when the matter is important to them expresses non-violence.
| Human Value | Illustrated by |
|---|---|
| Truth | Integrity, Awareness |
| Love | Sharing, Appreciation |
| Non-Violence | Appreciating, Initiative |
| Right Action | Discipline, Consideration |
| Peace | Reflection, Observation |
This page is © Rev. Chris Parnell, who learned about type in 1975; completed a workshop with Isabel Briggs Myers in 1980 and is a member of the Australian Association for Psychological Type. He completed a Diploma in Human Values in 2004. ✺ All Rights Reserved.