Daring Greatly Quotes: Insights for Courage and Vulnerability

These words set the foundation for Daring Greatly quotes, which encourage us to step into the arena of life, face challenges, and live courageously. Inspired by Brené Brown’s transformative book Daring Greatly, this article compiles powerful quotes on vulnerability, courage, and leadership that inspire action and emotional growth. Whether you’re seeking personal strength, leadership wisdom, or self-love, these quotes will guide you to embrace a life of daring greatness.

Brené Brown Daring Greatly Quotes

Brené Brown is known for her research on vulnerability and shame, transforming how we view emotional courage.

Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.
– Brené Brown

Explanation: This quote highlights that showing up matters more than winning. Success lies in our willingness to try, despite uncertainty.

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.”

– Brené Brown

story and loving ourselves

Explanation: True courage is about embracing our flaws and imperfections as part of our identity.

When we shut ourselves off from vulnerability, we distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives. – Brené Brown

Explanation: This reminds us that vulnerability leads to deeper, more meaningful relationships and personal growth.

“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”

– Brené Brown

courage to change

Explanation: Brown defines courage as stepping into the light, unafraid to show our true selves to the world.

Daring Greatly Quotes Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt’s iconic words inspired the title of Brené Brown’s book. These timeless quotes challenge us to step into the arena of life.

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles. – Theodore Roosevelt

Explanation: Roosevelt reminds us that those who strive, fail, and try again are the true heroes—not the bystanders.

“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.”

– Theodore Roosevelt

credit to the man in the arena

Explanation: Success is not for the perfect but for those who dare to fight and live fully.

Who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly. – Theodore Roosevelt

Explanation: To dare greatly means accepting failure as a step toward growth and achievement.

“Far better it is to dare mighty things than to rank with those timid spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much.”

– Theodore Roosevelt

dare mighty things

Explanation: Life is meant for bold, passionate effort—not comfort and complacency.

Daring Greatly Quotes with Page Numbers

For those seeking direct references, these quotes include page numbers from Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly.

Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness. – Brené Brown

Explanation: Vulnerability is strength, not weakness—it’s where truth and bravery meet.

“Shame is the most powerful, master emotion. It’s the fear that we’re not good enough.”

– Brené Brown

empowering quotes

Explanation: Brown identifies shame as the invisible force holding us back from showing up fully.

We can choose courage, or we can choose comfort, but we can’t have both. Not at the same time. – Brené Brown

Explanation: Courage demands stepping out of your comfort zone; growth lives where comfort ends.

“Connection is why we’re here; it gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”

– Brené Brown

connection gives purpose and meaning

Explanation: Human connection, rooted in vulnerability, creates meaning and purpose.

Daring Greatly Quote Theodore Roosevelt

Here are the most profound lines from Theodore Roosevelt that connect directly with Daring Greatly.

The poorest way to face life is to face it with a sneer.
– Theodore Roosevelt

Explanation: Cynicism and criticism block personal and societal progress.

“The only man who never makes mistakes is the man who never does anything.”

– Theodore Roosevelt

no mistakes without action

Explanation: Mistakes are proof of effort. Those who act will stumble, but they also achieve.

If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn’t sit for a month.
– Theodore Roosevelt

Explanation: Personal responsibility is key. Own your story instead of blaming others.

“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.”

– Theodore Roosevelt

believe you can halfway

Explanation: Self-belief is the first step to daring greatly and achieving success.

Brené Brown Quotes on Leadership

Brené Brown’s leadership insights combine empathy, courage, and vulnerability as vital leadership traits.

Daring leaders who live into their values are never silent about hard things. – Brené Brown

Explanation: Great leaders embrace tough conversations to inspire trust and progress.

“Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”

– Brené Brown

positive mindset quotes

Explanation: Effective leadership requires clarity and honesty, even in difficult moments.

Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what’s right over what’s fun, fast, or easy. – Brené Brown

Explanation: Leading with integrity means choosing values over convenience.

“Leadership is about choosing courage over comfort and daring to show up when it’s hard.”

– Brené Brown

boldness and courage

Explanation: Real leaders face challenges head-on, with vulnerability and strength.

Brené Brown Quotes on Self-Love

Self-love is central to living a wholehearted life, as Brené Brown explains.

Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.
– Brené Brown

Explanation: Practicing kindness toward yourself is the essence of self-love.

“Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are.”

– Brené Brown

embrace who you are

Explanation: Self-love begins with accepting yourself, imperfections and all.

Owning our worthiness is the act of self-love that allows us to show up bravely. – Brené Brown

Explanation: Loving yourself empowers you to live courageously.

“Perfectionism is not the key to success. Self-compassion is.”

– Brené Brown

self-improvement quotes

Explanation: Strive for progress, not perfection, and treat yourself with compassion.

FAQs

What is the quote about Daring Greatly?

The famous Daring Greatly quote comes from Theodore Roosevelt: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.” This quote inspired Brené Brown’s book Daring Greatly.

What is Brené Brown’s famous quote?

One of Brené Brown’s most famous quotes is: “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.” It highlights the strength in embracing vulnerability.

What is the main point of Daring Greatly?

The main point of Daring Greatly is that embracing vulnerability leads to courage, connection, and meaningful growth. Brené Brown encourages readers to step into life’s arena and live wholeheartedly, even when success isn’t guaranteed.

Dare greatly meaning?

To dare greatly means to take bold, courageous actions despite the risk of failure or criticism. It’s about showing up authentically, being vulnerable, and striving for growth in life’s challenges.

Endnote

In a world where playing it safe often feels like the norm, these daring greatly quotes challenge us to take risks, embrace our fears, and live authentically. Whether it’s Brené Brown’s empowering words or Theodore Roosevelt’s iconic wisdom, the message remains clear: Life happens in the arena, not on the sidelines.

Let these quotes inspire you to lead with courage, love yourself unconditionally, and show up wholeheartedly, no matter the outcome. As Brené Brown says, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.”

For further insights into vulnerability and courage, explore Brené Brown’s work at BreneBrown.com.

In 2023, I founded Art of Quote on Instagram to share meaningful, motivational words. What began as a passion project has grown into a community of over 2.4 million readers across social platforms and this website, launched in August 2024. Though I stay behind the scenes, my commitment to inspiring personal growth through quotes and blog posts remains strong. Art of Quote continues as a sanctuary for motivation, reflection, and positive transformation.
Sierra Lawson