You know, that idea that “There is no intimacy without vulnerability” really gets to the heart of it. It’s a simple but profound truth about how we connect, lead, and create. It’s about embracing the messy parts to get to the good stuff.
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Meaning
This quote is a simple, powerful equation: the things we value most in life are only accessible through acts of courage that feel risky in the moment.
Explanation
Look, I’ve seen this play out so many times. You can’t just *decide* to have a deep connection with someone. You have to take the first, terrifying step of sharing something real about yourself—that’s the vulnerability that unlocks true intimacy. And courage? It’s not the absence of fear. It’s feeling the fear of a risk—sending that difficult email, starting that new project—and doing it anyway. And my goodness, creativity. We get it so wrong. We think it’s about a flash of genius, but it’s really a process of failing over and over again until you stumble upon something that works. These aren’t just nice ideas; they’re the fundamental mechanics of a wholehearted life.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (4148) |
| Category | Wisdom (465) |
| Topics | creativity (52), intimacy (7) |
| Literary Style | parallel (15) |
| Emotion / Mood | bold (68), reflective (436) |
| Overall Quote Score | 85 (364) |
Origin & Factcheck
This is straight from Brené Brown’s 2017 book, Rising Strong as a Spiritual Practice. It’s a core tenet of her research on vulnerability and wholehearted living. You sometimes see the sentiment echoed elsewhere, but this specific, powerful phrasing is uniquely hers from that work.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Brene Brown (257) |
| Source Type | Book (4761) |
| Source/Book Name | Rising Strong as a Spiritual Practice (39) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1995) |
| Original Language | English (4148) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4761) |
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 | There is no intimacy without vulnerability. There is no courage without risk. There is no creativity without failure |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 2017; ISBN: Unknown (based on her talk and workbook materials); Length: ~60 pages (lecture adaptation, Sounds True audio transcript). |
| Where is it? | Section: Courage and Creativity, Approximate Page 44 |