QuoteProject
Shame is the most powerful, master emotion. It's the fear that we're not good enough.
Brene Brown
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Shame drives our fears of inadequacy and can profoundly impact our lives.

In this quote, Brene Brown highlights the powerful influence of shame on human emotions and self-perception. Shame often stems from the belief that we are not good enough, leading to feelings of unworthiness and insecurity. Understanding shame is crucial for personal growth and emotional health.

Themes

ShameFearInadequacyEmotionSelf-Worth

In practice

Example use cases

In a personal development workshop discussing self-esteem.

More from Brene Brown

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.
Brene BrownRead
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.
Brene BrownRead
I hesitate to use a pathologizing label, but underneath the so-called narcissistic personality is definitely shame and the paralyzing fear of being ordinary.
Brene BrownRead
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.
Brene BrownRead
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.
Brene BrownRead
Vulnerability is basically uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.
Brene BrownRead

Similar quotes

He who works with the door open gets all kinds of interruptions, but he also occasionally gets clues as to what the world is and what might be important.
Richard HammingRead
I have a friend who lives by a three-word philosophy: Seize the Moment. Just possibly, she may be the wisest woman on this planet.
Erma BombeckRead
Don't tell your problems to people: eighty percent don't care; and the other twenty percent are glad you have them.
Lou HoltzRead
My failures have been errors in judgment, not of intent.
Ulysses S. GrantRead
The sad ones are those who waste their energy in trying to hold it back, for they can only feel bitterness in loss and no joy in gain.
John SteinbeckRead
Time is the wisest of all things that are; for it brings everything to light.
ThalesRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.