You know, when Brene Brown said “Cruelty is easy, cheap and rampant,” she really nailed a painful truth about modern life. It’s a concept I’ve seen play out again and again, both personally and professionally. Let’s break down why this simple statement is so profoundly accurate.
Share Image Quote:Table of Contents
Meaning
At its core, this quote means that being cruel requires zero effort, costs nothing emotionally for the perpetrator, and has become a widespread, almost default, mode of interaction.
Explanation
Let me explain it like this. Think about the last time you saw a nasty comment online. It’s easy—just a few keystrokes. It’s cheap—the person doesn’t have to invest any real emotional capital or courage. And it’s rampant—you can’t scroll for five minutes without finding an example. Now, contrast that with vulnerability. Being kind, listening, having a difficult conversation with empathy… that’s hard work. It takes energy. It’s costly. Brown’s genius is in pointing out this exact economy of human interaction. Cruelty is the fast food of connection—instantly gratifying but ultimately empty and damaging for everyone involved.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Wisdom (385) |
| Topics | ethics (20) |
| Literary Style | minimalist (442) |
| Emotion / Mood | calm (491) |
| Overall Quote Score | 64 (18) |
Origin & Factcheck
This quote comes straight from Brene Brown’s 2010 book, The Gifts of Imperfection, published in the United States. You sometimes see it floating around unattributed, but it’s definitively hers, born from her decades of research on shame, vulnerability, and courage.
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
Official Website |Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube |
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Cruelty is easy, cheap and rampant |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2010; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9781592858491; Last edition. Number of pages. |
| Where is it? | Approximate page from 2010 Hazelden edition |