Courage is contagious Every time we choose courage Meaning Factcheck Usage

Courage is contagious. Every time we choose it, we’re not just helping ourselves. We’re creating a ripple effect of bravery that lifts everyone up and makes the whole world a little less fearful. It’s a powerful reminder that our personal choices have a collective impact.

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Table of Contents

• Meaning
• Explanation
• Origin & Factcheck
• Context
• Usage Examples
• FAQ

Meaning

At its core, this quote means that bravery isn’t a solo act. It’s a social energy. Your courage literally fuels the courage of others, creating a chain reaction of positive action.

Explanation

Let me tell you, I’ve seen this play out in teams and organizations for years. It’s not just theoretical. When one person on a team has the guts to speak up with an unpopular idea or admit a mistake, it does something profound. It changes the emotional atmosphere of the entire room. It gives everyone else a kind of permission slip to be a little more human, a little more vulnerable, a little more bold. That’s the contagious part. It lowers the perceived risk for everyone. And that’s how you build a culture where innovation and trust can actually thrive. It’s a leadership superpower, honestly.

Quote Summary

Context	Attributes
Original Language	English (3669)
Category	Personal Development (698)
Topics	courage (145), influence (70), leadership (111)
Literary Style	inspirational (54)
Emotion / Mood	uplifting (157)
Overall Quote Score	84 (319)

Origin & Factcheck

This is straight from the work of the incredible Brené Brown. It’s a central theme in her 2012 book, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, which was published in the United States. You sometimes see powerful quotes like this misattributed to figures like Teddy Roosevelt (whose “Man in the Arena” speech inspired Brown’s title), but this one is 100% Brené.

Attribution Summary

Context	Attributes
Author	Brene Brown (257)
Source Type	Book (4032)
Source/Book Name	Daring Greatly (39)
Origin Timeperiod	21st Century (1891)
Original Language	English (3669)
Authenticity	Verified (4032)

Where is this quotation located?

Quotation	Courage is contagious. Every time we choose courage, we make everyone around us a little better and the world a little braver
Book Details	Publication Year/Date: 2012; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9781592407330; Last edition. Number of pages: 287.
Where is it?	Approximate page from 2012 Gotham edition

Context

Brown introduces this idea while dismantling the myth that vulnerability is weakness. In Daring Greatly, she frames vulnerability as the absolute bedrock of courage. This quote comes from the understanding that when we dare to show up and be seen, despite our fears, we are actively participating in making the world a braver place. It’s a call to collective action.

Usage Examples

So, how do you actually use this? It’s a fantastic tool for:

• Leaders & Managers: Use it to frame psychological safety. Tell your team, “I know this is a risky proposal, but remember, courage is contagious. Your bravery here makes it safer for the next person to bring their idea forward.”
• Coaches & Mentors: When someone is hesitating to take a leap—ask for a promotion, start a business—remind them that their success isn’t just for them. It becomes a data point for everyone who comes after them, showing that it’s possible.
• For Yourself: This is the ultimate self-talk for those hard moments. That internal dialogue shifts from “This is scary” to “My doing this might make it easier for someone else.” It adds a layer of purpose to the fear.

To whom it appeals?

Context	Attributes
Theme	Wisdom (1754)
Audiences	coaches (1277), leaders (2620), parents (430), students (3112), teachers (1125)
Usage Context/Scenario	leadership programs (172), motivational speeches (345), school assemblies (31), team meetings (67)

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FAQ

Question: Does this mean I’m responsible for other people’s courage?

Answer: Not at all. It means you have influence. You’re not responsible for their final choice, but you are contributing to the environment that makes their choice possible. It’s about contribution, not control.

Question: What if my act of courage fails?

Answer: The contagion is in the *attempt*, not the outcome. Showing up and trying, especially when it’s hard, is the courageous part. That’s what inspires others. A failed attempt with courage is often more inspiring than a safe success.

Question: How is this different from just being reckless?

Answer: Great question. Recklessness ignores fear. Courage acknowledges fear and moves forward with purpose and values. The contagious part is the mindful choice to act despite the fear, not the absence of it.