Quotes about empathy

Empathy is feeling with people; sympathy looks at them - Brene Brown
At its core, this quote is about the difference between connection and observation. Empathy gets in the trench with someone. Sympathy stands on the edge and looks down.
The stories we make up in shame are Meaning Factcheck Usage

Deep insightful quote about narrative

The stories we make up in shame are almost always incomplete - Brene Brown
At its core, this quote means that the narratives we construct when we're feeling ashamed are fundamentally flawed because they're based on fear and self-judgment, not objective reality. They're missing crucial pieces of the story.

Quotes about compassion

If compassion is the skill or ability to tap into our own experiences in order to connect with an experience someone is relating to us, compassion is the willingness to be open to this process - Brene Brown
Compassion is an active skill, not a passive feeling, powered by our willingness to be emotionally available.

Quotes about connection

Empathy is not connecting to an experience; it’s connecting to the emotions that underpin the experience - Brene Brown
At its core, this quote means that true empathy isn't about understanding the "what" of someone's story. It's about feeling the "why." It's about tapping into the emotion, the fear, the shame, the joy, the grief, that is the engine of their experience.

Quotes about fear

Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be your best. It is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame - Brene Brown
At its core, this quote reframes perfectionism not as a virtue, but as a defense mechanism. It's not about excellence; it's about using a perfect facade to insulate yourself from criticism and shame.

Perfectionism Quote

Healthy striving is self focused; perfectionism is other focused - Brene Brown
At its core, this quote draws a bright line between two things we often confuse: the drive to improve for ourselves, and the desperate need to be seen as perfect by others.