Shame is the most powerful, master emotion. It's the fear that we're not good enough.
Brene BrownRead
I think if you follow anyone home, whether they live in Houston or London, and you sit at their dinner table and talk to them about their mother who has cancer or their child who is struggling in school, and their fears about watching their lives go by, I think we're all the same.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the shared human experiences of suffering and empathy, regardless of geographical location.
Brene Brown emphasizes that while we may come from different backgrounds or live in various cities around the world, the fundamental challenges and emotions we face—such as illness, struggles, and fears—connect us on a deeper level. By sharing personal stories and experiences, we realize that our common humanity transcends differences.
Themes
EmpathyConnectionHumanityStrugglesShared Experiences
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of empathy in our communities.
More from Brene Brown
All quotes →I think our capacity for wholeheartedness can never be greater than our willingness to be broken-hearted. It means engaging with the world from a place of vulnerability and worthiness.
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Men walk this tightrope where any sign of weakness illicits shame, and so they're afraid to make themselves vulnerable for fear of looking weak.
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I hesitate to use a pathologizing label, but underneath the so-called narcissistic personality is definitely shame and the paralyzing fear of being ordinary.
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I'm not a parenting expert. In fact, I'm not sure that I even believe in the idea of 'parenting experts.' I'm an engaged, imperfect parent and a passionate researcher. I'm an experienced mapmaker and a stumbling traveler. Like many of you, parenting is by far my boldest and most daring adventure.
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I've learned that men and women who are living wholehearted lives really allow themselves to soften into joy and happiness. They allow themselves to experience it.
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