Tea at Trianon: The Quiet Power of Introverts

John Wilson Croker on Marie-Antoinette

"We have followed the history of Marie Antoinette with the greatest diligence and scrupulosity. We have lived in those times. We have talked with some of her friends and some of her enemies; we have read, certainly not all, but hundreds of the libels written against her; and we have, in short, examined her life with– if we may be allowed to say so of ourselves– something of the accuracy of contemporaries, the diligence of inquirers, and the impartiality of historians, all combined; and we feel it our duty to declare, in as a solemn a manner as literature admits of, our well-matured opinion that every reproach against the morals of the queen was a gross calumny– that she was, as we have said, one of the purest of human beings."

~from History of the Guillotine by John Wilson Croker, 1844

Edmund Burke on Marie-Antoinette

"It is now sixteen or seventeen years since I saw the queen of France, then dauphiness, at Versailles; and surely there never lighted on this orb, which she hardly seemed to touch, a more delightful vision. I saw her just above the horizon, decorating and cheering the elevated sphere she had just begun to move in, glittering like a morning star full of life and splendor and joy. Oh, what a revolution....Little did I dream that I should have lived to see such disasters fall upon her, in a nation of gallant men, in a nation of men of honor and of cavaliers! I thought ten thousand swords must have leaped from their scabbards, to avenge even a look which threatened her with insult. But the age of chivalry is gone; that of sophisters, economists, and calculators has succeeded...."

~Edmund Burke, October 1790

Sunday, June 11, 2023

The Quiet Power of Introverts

From New Trader U:

Introversion, a personality trait rooted in psychology, links to individual preferences for solitude, deep thought, and measure interactions with others. Recent research in neuroscience reveals that introversion might stem from differences in how the brain processes information and reacts to stimulation. Introversion does not equate to shyness; while shyness relates to a fear of social judgment, introversion involves a preference for quieter, more minimally stimulating environments. Introverts often exhibit thoughtfulness, independence, and an inclination toward introspection. These individuals might prefer reading a book at home to attending a crowded social gathering, not because they fear interaction but because they derive more pleasure and satisfaction from the former.
Introverts have graced the pages of history, making significant contributions in their respective fields. Think of Rosa Parks, whose quiet strength played a vital role in the Civil Rights Movement, or Albert Einstein, whose contemplative nature led to groundbreaking theories in physics.
In today’s society, the contributions of introverts often go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle. Still, their inherent ability to think deeply, act independently, and maintain focus during chaotic times remains invaluable. A balanced society requires a mix of introverted and extroverted individuals, each contributing their unique strengths and perspectives. (Read more.)