Our success as a species is built on sociability so shyness in humans should be an anomaly But it's actually remarkably common
- we all know what it's like to cringe in embarrassment stand tongue-tied at the fringe of an unfamiliar group or flush with humiliation if we suddenly become the unwelcome centre of attention In Shrinking violets Joe Moran explores the hidden world of shyness providing insights on everything from timidity in lemon sharks to the role of texting in Finnish love affairs As he seeks answers to the questions that shyness poses
- Why are we shy? Can we overcome it? Does it define us?
- he uncovers the fascinating stories of the men & women who were 'of the violet persuasion' from Charles Darwin to Agatha Christie & from Tove Jansson to Nick Drake In their stories
- often both heart-breaking & inspiring
- & through the myriad ways scientists & thinkers have tried to explain & cure shyness Moran finds a hopeful conclusion To be shy he decides is not simply a burden
- it is also a gift a different way of seeing the world that can be both enriching & inspiring