Many perceptive points here about introverts, such as that they become self-absorbed and turn their perceptions into self-inflicted wounds. That was well-said.

I'm not sure, though, that introversion is a matter of "preference," as you suggest in the conclusion. There are a number of books out now about "highly sensitive people," which I haven't read. But the point is that our minds are geared either to take in a lot of information or just a little at a time. If it's a lot, we can be overloaded, so we retreat as introverts. If it's a little, we thrive by seeking newer sources to avoid being starved of info. That distinction isn't really a matter of choice.

Another factor here is whether certain societies prefer introverts or extroverts. The perceptiveness of introverts is liable to be subversive or politically incorrect, so it's frowned upon. We prefer the extrovert's superficiality to keep the peace. Extroverts may be more at home in public spaces because of the elementary compromises we make in polite society, as part of the social contract.

Introverts would be bound, then, to be outsiders, to observe and to contemplate our foibles, and to make art about them that ironically renews the society that marginalizes the more perceptive individuals. Thus, as Ecclesiastes says, "with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief."