by Fida Hussain Bhat
Quietness is often misunderstood as introversion, although silence may emerge from wisdom, difficult experiences, thoughtful reflection, unsuitable environments, or a preference for writing over speaking.
I believe we need to revisit the definitions of introvert and extrovert to better understand the difference between speaking less and speaking only when necessary versus talking excessively without purpose. Speaking less does not always indicate shyness or hesitation; it can also signify that a person has moved beyond mere knowledge into the realm of wisdom, where listening takes precedence over speaking. Conversely, talking excessively does not necessarily reflect knowledge; it may simply indicate a tendency to voice opinions on everything, often unnecessarily.
You might wonder how to identify whether someone is an introvert or an extrovert, or who possesses true knowledge and wisdom. The key is to pay attention to what a person says when given the opportunity. If their words are meaningful and contribute to your understanding, then they are not merely introverted but rather knowledgeable and wise, choosing not to engage in trivial discussions.
Therefore, the first criterion for labelling someone as an introvert should not be based on their limited speech, but rather on the quality of their contributions, even if they are infrequent. Many claim to be knowledgeable but actually know very little; verbosity should not be mistaken for wisdom.
The second criterion for determining whether someone is an introvert involves examining whether that quiet individual has a conducive environment for sharing their thoughts or whether they are surrounded by trustworthy people who value innovative ideas. Many wise individuals refrain from speaking in their workplaces because they recognise that their colleagues lack interest in new concepts. One opens up only to trustworthy and trustworthy confidants. The decline in reading culture has led to a scarcity of innovative ideas for discussion.
Those who read often find themselves without a suitable atmosphere in which to share their thoughts. Nowadays, people tend to assess everything in financial terms, forgetting that books provide us with ideas and insights rather than monetary gain. History shows that ideas have the power to transform the world, while money is fleeting. We remember influential writers, not the wealthiest individuals. Discussions often revolve around scholars whose ideas have shaped history, highlighting the irony that many great thinkers were financially poor, while the wealthy possessed only material riches.
The third criterion for identifying someone as an introvert, or as a shy and hesitant person, is to consider the circumstances that may have made them reticent. Life’s challenges can strip us of various traits, particularly our ability to express ourselves openly. The hardships we face can lead us to speak less, especially in public, but this does not necessarily mean someone is an introvert. I believe the answer is no.
We cannot truly know what another person is experiencing, yet we hastily label them as introverted. Quick judgments are often incorrect and can lead to shame and regret once the truth is revealed. The anxiety that life imposes on all of us at some point affects us physically, psychologically, spiritually, and socially. We may lose certain behavioural traits and adopt new attitudes to cope with our sorrows. Before labelling someone as an introvert, we should consider all the factors that may silence their voice and inhibit their outgoing nature; otherwise, we risk making skewed assessments that may later surprise us.
The fourth requirement for understanding whether someone is an introvert is recognising their unique abilities. Some individuals excel at speaking, while others shine in writing. Historical records show that many great literary figures were reserved, preferring to write rather than speak and producing more written work than verbal communication. We have encountered exceptional speakers who struggle with writing, and vice versa. People possess different strengths.
While it is true that a person is often recognised through their speech, as Hazrat Ali stated, “A person is hidden beneath their tongue, revealing their true self when they speak,” writing can be even more revealing. Writing allows individuals to connect with their true selves, free from the fear of an audience. In writing, one often uncovers aspects of oneself that may never be expressed verbally.
We should refrain from making hasty judgments about someone; instead, we should consider numerous possibilities when we meet a person who is quiet, does not socialise much, or is not easily forthcoming. Let us understand each person according to the circumstances in which they have lived their life, because we are constantly shaped and reshaped by our surrounding environment and the people around us.
(Author is a teacher. Ideas are personal.)
