"Les gens tranquilles ont les esprits les plus bruyants."

Some of the most profound thoughts come from the people you might least expect. You know those folks who don’t say much during meetings, or the ones quietly sipping their coffee while others dominate the conversation? They’re often the ones with the most innovative, vibrant ideas whirling around in their heads. Essentially, even though they’re not vocal, their minds are incredibly active and oftentimes, quite loud.

This idea has been around for a long time. Think about thinkers like Albert Einstein or writers like Emily Dickinson, who weren’t exactly the life of the party. They were introverted but their contributions have echoed through history. Their example shows that sometimes, the quieter you seem on the outside, the more you have going on inside.

Take Susan Cain, for example. She’s the author of “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.” Her book became a best-seller, shedding light on the value and power of quiet reflection and deep thinking. Susan herself is an introvert. She spent years in environments where extroversion was the norm and felt the pressure to fit in. But over time, she realized her quiet nature was actually a strength. She showed how introverts bring unique perspectives and creativity to the table.

So how can you apply this to your own life? First, if you’re the “quiet one,” give yourself some credit. You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room to make an impact. Find ways to share your ideas that feel comfortable to you—maybe write them down first, or have a one-on-one conversation with a decision-maker. On the flip side, if you’re someone who’s more extroverted, make space for the quieter voices. They’ve got something valuable to say, even if it’s not said out loud immediately.

Imagine a team meeting at work. There’s a project that needs a fresh perspective. Everyone’s tossing around ideas, but you notice one of your quieter colleagues hasn’t said much. Instead of moving on, you ask them, “Hey, what do you think about all this?” They might initially hesitate, but you’ve opened the door. Often, that’s all it takes. You might find their idea is the game-changing one everyone’s been looking for.

A personal story to drive this home: I remember back in college, I had this friend named Laura. Super shy, never the one to start a conversation. Our study group often overlooked her. But one day, we were stuck on a challenging problem. Everyone had thrown their hands up in frustration. Laura, though, had been quietly scribbling on her notepad. When she finally spoke up, her solution was brilliant—something none of us had even considered. That day, we learned not to underestimate her quiet demeanor.

So, if you're the quieter type, embrace it. Your mind is a powerhouse. And if you’re the talker, make sure to listen, too. Sometimes the best ideas come from the most unexpected places. Let's make room for all the voices, loud or quiet.