“Perfectionism is not motivated internally. Perfectionism is about what people will think.”

— Brené Brown, The Washington Post (October 2012)

About Brené Brown

Born 1965

American research professor and author known for her work on vulnerability, courage, and empathy. Her TED talk on vulnerability is one of the most-watched in history.

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“You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are also worthy of love and belonging.”

— Brené Brown

“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up when you can't control the outcome.”

— Brené Brown

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we'll ever do.”

— Brené Brown

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

— Epictetus

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”

— Aristotle

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”

— Rumi

“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.”

— Lao Tzu

Attribution note: Source disputed or unverified.

“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.”

— Confucius

“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”

— Oscar Wilde

“Perfectionism is not motivated internally. Perfectionism is about what people will think.”

About Brené Brown

More from Brené Brown

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