You can’t get to courage without walking through vulnerability. It’s one of those truths that hits you right in the gut, because we’re taught the exact opposite. We think courage is this armor you put on, but it’s actually about being open and exposed.
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Meaning
True bravery isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the willingness to be seen, to be uncertain, and to risk emotional exposure. That’s the gateway.
Explanation
Okay, let me break this down. For years, I thought courage was about being the strong, silent type. You know, gritting your teeth and pushing through. But what Brene Brown figured out in her research is that’s not it at all. The people who display the most profound courage are the ones who are willing to be vulnerable first. They’re the ones who say “I love you” first, who pitch the crazy idea in the meeting, who admit they don’t know the answer. That act of opening yourself up to potential failure, judgment, or hurt—that’s the “walking through” part. You can’t go around it. You can’t skip it. You have to move through the messy, uncomfortable feeling of vulnerability to access the real, powerful stuff on the other side. It’s the path, not the obstacle.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Wisdom (385) |
| Topics | courage (145), growth (413), vulnerability (47) |
| Literary Style | succinct (151) |
| Emotion / Mood | inspiring (392) |
| Overall Quote Score | 82 (297) |
Origin & Factcheck
This quote comes straight from Brene Brown’s 2012 book, Daring Greatly, which was published in the United States. It’s a cornerstone of her work on shame, vulnerability, and leadership. You sometimes see similar sentiments floating around, but this specific phrasing is uniquely hers, born from a massive body of qualitative research.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Brene Brown (257) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Daring Greatly (39) |
| 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 | You can’t get to courage without walking through vulnerability |
| 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 |