You know, “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind” is one of those ideas that seems obvious once you hear it, but it completely reframes how you think about communication. It’s about radical honesty as an act of respect.
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Meaning
At its heart, this quote means that true kindness isn’t about avoiding tough conversations; it’s about having them with absolute clarity. Vagueness, on the other hand, is a subtle form of disrespect.
Explanation
Let me tell you, this was a game-changer for me. We often think being “nice” means softening the blow, using vague language, or avoiding the issue entirely to spare someone’s feelings. But what Brene Brown argues—and I’ve seen this play out a thousand times—is that this “nice” behavior is actually deeply unkind. It leaves people in the dark, guessing at your true meaning, and often sets them up for a bigger failure down the line. Being clear, even when it’s difficult, is the truly compassionate choice because it gives people the honest feedback and solid ground they need to actually succeed and grow. It’s about trusting people enough to handle the truth.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Skill (416) |
| Topics | communication (196), honesty (27), leadership (111) |
| Literary Style | memorable (234), minimalist (442) |
| Emotion / Mood | determined (116) |
| Overall Quote Score | 91 (15) |
Origin & Factcheck
This wisdom comes straight from Brene Brown’s 2018 book, Dare to Lead. She’s a research professor who spent years studying vulnerability and courage, and this concept is a cornerstone of her work on brave leadership. You won’t find it correctly attributed to anyone else.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Brene Brown (257) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. (29) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Dr Brene Brown is the author of books such as Daring Greatly and The Power of Vulnerability. The TED talk and Netflix production based on her research reached out to millions of audience. She researches effects of courage and vulnerability in shaping people's work and relationships. She leads the Brené Brown Education and Research Group and provides evidence-based insights into practical tools to help people train themselves
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2018; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9780399592522; Last Edition: Random House 2018; Number of Pages: 320 |
| Where is it? | Part II: Living into Our Values, Approximate page from 2018 edition: 67 |