Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston. She is a bestselling author known for her groundbreaking work on vulnerability, courage, shame, and empathy.
Her insights have helped millions of people embrace their imperfections and lead with heart.
In this collection, we’ve gathered 25 of Brené Brown’s most powerful quotes about vulnerability and courage—words that challenge us, lift us, and invite us to show up more fully in life and leadership.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #1
“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”
This quote captures the essence of courage—not certainty, but the willingness to be visible in uncertainty.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #2
“OWNING OUR STORY AND LOVING OURSELVES THROUGH THAT PROCESS IS THE BRAVEST THING THAT WE’LL EVER DO”
True bravery begins with self-acceptance and the courage to embrace our personal journey without shame.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #3
“VULNERABILITY IS THE CORE OF ALL EMOTIONS AND FEELINGS. TO FEEL IS TO BE VULNERABLE”
By allowing ourselves to feel deeply, we open the door to connection, creativity, and growth.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #4
“YOU CAN CHOOSE COURAGE OR YOU CAN CHOOSE COMFORT. YOU CANNOT HAVE BOTH”
Growth demands discomfort. This quote reminds us that stepping into courage often requires leaving safety behind.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #5
“COURAGE STARTS WITH SHOWING UP AND LETTING OURSELVES BE SEEN”
Leadership begins not with perfection, but with presence. It’s about being real, not always right.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #6
“SHAME CANNOT SURVIVE BEING SPOKEN. IT CANNOT SURVIVE EMPATHY”
Speaking our shame with trusted others dissolves its power. Empathy is the antidote to isolation.
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Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #7
“IMPERFECTIONS ARE NOT INADEQUACIES; THEY ARE REMINDERS THAT WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER”
Instead of hiding flaws, Brené encourages us to embrace them as the glue that holds human connections together.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #8
“VULNERABILITY SOUNDS LIKE TRUTH AND FEELS LIKE COURAGE. TRUTH AND COURAGE AREN’T ALWAYS COMFORTABLE, BUT THEY’RE NEVER WEAKNESS”
There is strength in honesty. Even when it’s uncomfortable, truth-telling builds trust and respect.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #9
“STAYING VULNERABLE IS A RISK WE HAVE TO TAKE IF WE WANT TO EXPERIENCE CONNECTION”
Connection is not possible without risk. Vulnerability is the bridge between isolation and a sense of belonging.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #10
“COURAGE IS CONTAGIOUS. EVERY TIME WE CHOOSE COURAGE, WE MAKE EVERYONE AROUND US A LITTLE BETTER AND THE WORLD A LITTLE BRAVER”
Courage is a ripple effect. Every brave act permits others to act from their values, too.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #11
“WE CULTIVATE LOVE WHEN WE ALLOW OUR MOST VULNERABLE AND POWERFUL SELVES TO BE DEEPLY SEEN AND KNOWN”
Love thrives in openness. Letting ourselves be seen is a gateway to authentic relationships.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #12
“PERFECTIONISM IS NOT THE SAME THING AS STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE. PERFECTIONISM IS A FORM OF SHAME”
Striving for growth is healthy. Perfectionism, on the other hand, is rooted in fear and unworthiness.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #13
“VULNERABILITY IS THE BIRTHPLACE OF INNOVATION, CREATIVITY, AND CHANGE”
Without vulnerability, we can’t take risks or imagine new futures. It is the root of all original work.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #14
“TO LOVE SOMEONE FIERCELY, TO BELIEVE IN SOMETHING WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART, TO CELEBRATE A MOMENT FULLY, IS TO BE VULNERABLE”
Joy and courage come from wholehearted living—and wholeheartedness is built on vulnerability.
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Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #15
“WHEN WE DENY OUR STORIES, THEY DEFINE US. WHEN WE OWN OUR STORIES, WE GET TO WRITE THE ENDING”
Personal power comes from ownership. Vulnerability allows us to reclaim our narrative and choose how it continues.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #16
“VULNERABILITY IS THE PATH BACK TO EACH OTHER, BUT WE’RE SO AFRAID TO GET ON IT”
We long for connection, yet fear the risk it requires. Courage is choosing to walk the path anyway.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #17
“IF WE SHARE OUR STORY WITH SOMEONE WHO RESPONDS WITH EMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING, SHAME CAN’T SURVIVE”
Safe connection dissolves shame. Story-sharing in a trusting space is powerful medicine.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #18
“THE RESEARCH SHOWED THAT THE MORE PEOPLE TRIED TO CONTROL UNCERTAINTY, THE MORE AFRAID THEY BECAME”
Trying to control vulnerability increases fear. Trust and resilience come from learning to live with uncertainty.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #19
“YOU EITHER WALK INSIDE YOUR STORY AND OWN IT, OR YOU STAND OUTSIDE YOUR STORY AND HUSTLE FOR YOUR WORTHINESS”
True belonging begins when we accept and own our full story—messy parts and all.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #20
“SHAME DERIVES ITS POWER FROM BEING UNSPOKEN”
When we speak about our shame, it starts to lose its grip. Vulnerability is a tool for healing.
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Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #21
“ONLY WHEN WE’RE BRAVE ENOUGH TO EXPLORE THE DARKNESS WILL WE DISCOVER THE INFINITE POWER OF OUR LIGHT”
Courage includes facing the parts of ourselves we fear. Only then can we access our true strength.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #22
“FAITH IS A PLACE OF MYSTERY, WHERE WE FIND THE COURAGE TO BELIEVE IN WHAT WE CANNOT SEE”
Vulnerability includes leaning into the unknown. Faith is not certainty, but courage in uncertainty.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #23
“SOMETIMES THE MOST COURAGEOUS AND IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO IS JUST SHOW UP”
Bravery isn’t always loud. Showing up, especially when it’s hard, is an act of quiet courage.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #24
“VULNERABILITY ISN’T GOOD OR BAD. IT’S NOT WHAT WE CALL A DARK EMOTION, NOR IS IT ALWAYS LIGHT. IT’S THE CENTER OF ALL EMOTIONS AND FEELINGS”
Brené reminds us that vulnerability isn’t weakness or virtue, it’s simply part of being human.
Brené Brown Quotes about Vulnerability and Courage #25
“LET GO OF WHO YOU THINK YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BE AND EMBRACE WHO YOU ARE”
Living vulnerably means releasing expectations and allowing our true self to lead the way.
Thank you, Brené Brown
A huge word of thanks to Brené Brown for her profound insights into vulnerability and courage.
Her work reminds us that the heart of human connection lies in being real, not perfect. That we don’t need to armor up to be strong, but to open up. And that daring greatly begins the moment we let ourselves be seen.
Let these quotes inspire you to show up, be seen, and live bravely in life, love, and leadership.
For you who are Interested in Learning more about Brené Brown:
VIDEO
The Diary of the CEO: Brené Brown: The Algorithms Have Forced Us Into A Hidden Epidemic, This Is The Only Way.
The Spiritual Life Podcast. Brené Brown on Jesus and vulnerable spirituality.
ARTICLES By BRENÉ BROWN:
Stressed and Overwhelmed: 10 Learnings That Changed How I Think About Emotions.
The Practice of Story Stewardship
Go to Brené Brown’s personal page to access a wide selection of videos, articles, and an overview of an impressive selection of written books.
