Connection gives purpose and meaning to our lives… it’s a simple idea, but it’s the absolute bedrock of everything. I’ve seen this truth play out time and again in my work.
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Meaning
This isn’t just about having friends. It’s the profound idea that our sense of purpose and the very meaning we find in life isn’t generated in a vacuum. It’s co-created, reflected back to us, and solidified through our bonds with others.
Explanation
Let me break this down a bit. We often chase these big, abstract concepts like “purpose” as if they’re trophies to be won. But what Brene is pointing to is so much more fundamental. Think about it. When you feel truly seen and understood by someone—a partner, a close colleague, a friend—that’s when you feel your own value most acutely. Your struggles feel worth it. Your joys are amplified. That’s meaning being generated, right there, in real-time. It’s the relational space between us that gives our individual experiences their weight and color. Without that mirror, our lives can feel… hollow. Like we’re just going through the motions.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Life (320) |
| Topics | connection (265), meaning (50), purpose (186) |
| Literary Style | simple (291) |
| Emotion / Mood | inspiring (392) |
| Overall Quote Score | 81 (258) |
Origin & Factcheck
This quote comes straight from Brene Brown’s 2010 book, The Gifts of Imperfection. It’s a cornerstone of her research on vulnerability and wholehearted living. You’ll sometimes see similar sentiments floating around, but this specific phrasing is authentically hers, born from years of qualitative data and storytelling.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Brene Brown (257) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The Gifts of Imperfection (46) |
| 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 | Connection gives purpose and meaning to our lives |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2010; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9781592858491; Last edition. Number of pages. |
| Where is it? | Approximate page from 2010 Hazelden edition |