Brené Brown is a globally recognized researcher and thought leader in the fields of vulnerability, courage, empathy, and leadership. Known for her TED Talks and bestselling books, she has empowered individuals to embrace their imperfections and live a life full of authenticity. In her work, Brown highlights the importance of courage, vulnerability, and the ability to connect with others to create meaningful relationships and transformative change.
Her words often resonate deeply with people seeking personal growth, self-acceptance, and leadership strategies. In this article, we have compiled 48 of Brené Brown’s most insightful quotes. Each quote stands as a testament to her expertise and perspective, offering valuable guidance on how to navigate life with courage and authenticity.
48 Powerful Brené Brown Quotes to Inspire Courage and Vulnerability
1. “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”
2. “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
3. “You can choose courage or you can choose comfort, but you cannot have both.”
4. “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.”
5. “Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”
6. “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.”
7. “Perfectionism is not the path to success, it’s the path to shame.”
8. “Shame is the most powerful, master emotion. It’s the fear that we’re not good enough.”
9. “The opposite of belonging is fitting in. Fitting in is assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be in order to be accepted. Belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.”
10. “We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.”
11. “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
12. “What we know matters, but who we are matters more.”
13. “The willingness to show up changes us. It makes us a little braver each time.”
14. “Trust is earned in the smallest of moments.”
15. “There is no innovation and creativity without failure. Period.”
16. “The best way to combat shame is to talk about it. When you name it, you tame it.”
17. “If we want to live a wholehearted life, we have to practice love and belonging. We need to embrace the vulnerability of being connected.”
18. “Courage is like—it’s like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.”
19. “We don’t have to be perfect to be worthy of love and belonging.”
20. “Fitting in is about assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be in order to be accepted. Belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are.”
21. “The power of vulnerability is the courage to show up and be seen as we are.”
22. “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.”
23. “You either walk inside your story and own it or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.”
24. “Love is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow.”
25. “We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.”
26. “When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write a brave new ending.”
27. “We are born makers. We move what we’re learning from our heads to our hearts through our hands.”
28. “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
29. “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day.”
30. “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.”
31. “You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.”
32. “The willingness to show up changes us. It makes us a little braver each time.”
33. “A person is the sum of their experiences and all the connections they make along the way.”
34. “True belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are. It requires us to be who we are.”
35. “In order to be truly happy, we need to learn how to feel joy in the face of uncertainty.”
36. “Don’t shrink. Don’t puff up. Stand your sacred ground.”
37. “We can’t practice compassion with other people if we can’t treat ourselves kindly.”
38. “Gratitude without practice may be how we start, but it’s not how we finish.”
39. “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”
40. “We love ourselves the way we love others—unconditionally, without expectation, and with deep understanding.”
41. “Courage is the willingness to do something difficult or uncomfortable for a purpose greater than yourself.”
42. “To love and be loved is the most powerful thing in the world.”
43. “What we don’t need in the midst of struggle is shame for being human.”
44. “To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.”
45. “It’s not about ‘winning.’ It’s about being in the arena, staying present, and giving your best.”
46. “The greatest barrier to being loved is not being able to love yourself.”
47. “Vulnerability is the key to both courage and compassion.”
48. “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’”
Conclusion
Brené Brown’s quotes have become iconic for many who are seeking to lead a life of authenticity, vulnerability, and connection. Through her research and writing, she has taught us that vulnerability is not a weakness but a powerful tool for growth and transformation. Her words encourage us to face our fears, embrace our imperfections, and choose courage over comfort.
As we reflect on these 48 powerful quotes, we are reminded that the journey toward living wholeheartedly is not always easy, but it is certainly worth it. By accepting our own vulnerability and practicing empathy, we can create deeper, more meaningful relationships and live a life of courage and authenticity.
Related Topics