Brené Brown is a researcher storyteller and professor at the University of Houston where she holds the Huffington – Brené Brown Endowed Chair.
For the past twenty years, her study involves courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. Brown has also authored five #1 New York Times best-sellers entitled, The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, Rising Strong, Braving the Wilderness, and Dare to Lead.
She and her husband, Steve, have been together for more than 20 years and they live with their children, Ellen and Charlie, at their home in Houston, Texas.
In 2012, Brown presented “The power of vulnerability” as a TED talk, which is one of the most viewed discussions, garnering more than 35 million views. She also has a Netflix Special, Call To Courage, which debuted on April 2019.
Change the way you live your life as you read through these Brené Brown quotes and sayings that demonstrate her learning about love, vulnerability, courage, happiness, and more.
Fun fact: Brené once said her favorite superpower would be the ability to calm people down just by touching their shoulder.
Table of Contents
Brené Brown Quotes on Courage
Courage is a cornerstone of Brené Brown’s work, and she reminds us that it’s not about fearlessness, but the willingness to be seen—even when it’s uncomfortable.
1. “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”
—from Daring Greatly (2012)
Brown emphasizes that real courage is about visibility and vulnerability. This quote is a reminder to be brave enough to present your authentic self, even when the outcome is uncertain.
2. “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.”
—from Dare to Lead (2018)
Here, Brown reframes vulnerability as an act of bravery—a willingness to step into the arena, not knowing what will happen next.
3. “You can choose courage or you can choose comfort, but you cannot have both.”
—from Daring Greatly (2012)
Brown encourages us to make a conscious choice between playing it safe and making bold moves. Growth always requires a step outside our comfort zone.
4. “Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it.”
—from The Gifts of Imperfection (2010)
She teaches that true courage lies in self-acceptance, rather than denial or avoidance.
5. “Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
—from The Gifts of Imperfection (2010)
Brown’s words remind us that facing our struggles is what uncovers our deepest strengths.
Brené Brown Quotes on Vulnerability
For Brown, vulnerability is the birthplace of connection, creativity, and love. Her most quoted insights encourage us to lean into discomfort for the sake of authentic living.
1. “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”
—from Daring Greatly (2012)
Brown redefines vulnerability as the path to meaningful, honest living.
2. “Staying vulnerable is a risk we have to take if we want to experience connection.”
—from The Gifts of Imperfection (2010)
She highlights that openness, while risky, is essential for deep relationships.
3. “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.”
—from Daring Greatly (2012)
Brown makes the case that we must let ourselves be vulnerable to achieve breakthroughs in life and work.
4. “To love ourselves and support each other in the process of becoming real is perhaps the greatest single act of daring greatly.”
—from The Gifts of Imperfection (2010)
Self-compassion and mutual support are acts of vulnerability—and courage.
5. “If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”
—from Daring Greatly (2012)
Brown sees vulnerability as the bridge to clarity, purpose, and spiritual fulfillment.
Brené Brown Quotes on Shame & Empathy
Brown’s research on shame has changed the conversation on self-worth. She shows how empathy is the antidote to shame and the key to healing.
1. “Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change.”
—from I Thought It Was Just Me (2007)
Brown reveals the paralyzing effect of shame—and the importance of recognizing it.
2. “Empathy is feeling with people.”
—from her TED Talk, The Power of Vulnerability (2010)
She boils empathy down to its simplest, most powerful definition: being present and understanding with others in their pain.
3. “If we share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive.”
—from Daring Greatly (2012)
Brown’s research shows that connection dissolves shame.
4. “The most powerful words when we’re in struggle: me too.”
—from Rising Strong (2015)
She reminds us that solidarity and empathy heal our deepest wounds.
Brené Brown Quotes on Leadership
Brené Brown’s insights have revolutionized modern leadership, urging authenticity, transparency, and connection.
1. “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”
—from Dare to Lead (2018)
Brown urges leaders to communicate openly—clarity saves time and builds trust.
2. “Daring leaders work to make sure people can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging.”
—from Dare to Lead (2018)
Leadership isn’t about hierarchy, but about fostering inclusion.
3. “Who we are is how we lead.”
—from Dare to Lead (2018)
Brown asserts that personal integrity is the foundation of strong leadership.
4. “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.”
(Repeated for relevance—also foundational for leadership)
5. “Brave leaders are never silent around hard things.”
—from Dare to Lead (2018)
Brown champions courageous conversations over avoidance.
Brené Brown Quotes on Belonging & Authenticity
Brown’s work explores the universal need for belonging and the importance of living true to ourselves.
1. “True belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.”
—from Braving the Wilderness (2017)
Belonging is about authenticity, not conformity.
2. “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day.”
—from The Gifts of Imperfection (2010)
Brown reminds us that being real is an ongoing, conscious process.
3. “You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.”
—from The Gifts of Imperfection (2010)
Self-worth is unconditional; it’s a core Brown message.
4. “Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world…”
—from The Gifts of Imperfection (2010)
Brown notes that belonging depends on self-acceptance, not perfection.
Brené Brown Quotes on Perfectionism
Brown debunks the myth that perfectionism is a virtue and reveals its cost.
1. “Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be your best. Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame.”
—from The Gifts of Imperfection (2010)
She distinguishes healthy striving from perfectionistic thinking.
2. “Understanding the difference between healthy striving and perfectionism is critical to laying down the shield and picking up your life.”
—from The Gifts of Imperfection (2010)
Letting go of perfectionism is essential for real growth.
3. “No amount of gold stars, stickers, or straight As is going to buy you worthiness.”
—from The Gifts of Imperfection (2010)
Brown reminds us that our value isn’t tied to external validation.
Let Brené Brown Remind You
Brené Brown’s words invite us to live braver, more openhearted lives—facing discomfort, embracing imperfection, and connecting with others through empathy and courage. Let these quotes inspire you to be more authentic, to show up, and to own your story—one daring act at a time.
