I have thought about the claims that humans evolved as social creatures who need the contact of our fellows like we need water and food. Maybe it’s true, but I’ve reached a point where I view the “real world” as a series of artificial social constructs imposed by a few empowered extroverts on the rest of society - especially in the workplace.

Organizations select for extroverts. These chosen few are placed in positions of authority where they can demand everyone conform to their preferences. Office social hierarchies. Cocktail parties. Golf outings with the boss. This is the obstacle course demanded of those who seek advancement. But do most people enjoy the obstacle course or merely endure it? I wonder.

Now, I concede that growth often comes through discomfort. Exposing ourselves to things we dislike can make us stronger, well rounded, and resilient. We should welcome such adversity and learn from it. But we are finite creatures, and there are diminishing returns to growth borne of suffering. A career should not be an endless parade of torments, but that is the price of a ticket to the middle class for the introverted.

I would never discount the toll this pandemic has taken on people. But I do hope that empowered extroverts reflect on the way they felt during periods of covid self isolation. If they experienced anxiety, depression, and sadness, maybe they will recognize how their preferences imposed similar feelings on the introverted before the pandemic began.