On Introversion, Expectations, and Duality

The following is an excerpt from a samvaad (dialogue) session with Acharya Prashant.

Question: Sir, can an introvert become more communicative?

Acharya Prashant (AP): Why does an introvert need to be more communicative?

Listener (L): He has some fears and doubts when he talks to someone.

AP: Who is an introvert?

L: The one who is afraid of asking doubts.

AP: That is not introversion, that is fear.

L: An introvert is someone who keeps everything to himself. The one who is afraid of expressing himself.

AP: There may be a fellow who speaks too much because of fear. ‘Introvert’ and ‘extrovert’ are not solid classifications. The more closely you look at them, you will find that they are just layers of smoke. Who is an introvert?

L: The one who is shy.

L: The one who is quiet.

AP: Shyness and quietness do not have anything in common.

L: The one who wants to be isolated.

L: The one who fears rejection from society.

AP: The one who has fears rejection from society? See, whatever is coming from you all as the meaning of ‘introvert’ is very different…