Brene Brown The Man In The Arena Quote
Who is Brene Brown?
Brene Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston who has spent more than a decade studying vulnerability, courage, shame, and empathy. She is a New York Times bestselling author and her TED Talk, "The Power of Vulnerability," has been viewed over 50 million times.
The Man in the Arena Quote
The "Man in the Arena" quote is one of Brene Brown's favorite quotes, and it comes from a speech given by Theodore Roosevelt in 1910. The quote goes as follows:
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
This quote has become very popular in recent years, especially in the field of personal development, because it speaks to the importance of taking action and putting yourself out there, even if you might fail or face criticism.
The Importance of Vulnerability
Brene Brown's work is all about the importance of vulnerability, and how it is actually a strength rather than a weakness. She has found that people who are willing to be vulnerable and put themselves out there are more likely to experience connection, creativity, and joy in their lives.
However, vulnerability also comes with the risk of failure and criticism. This is where the "Man in the Arena" quote comes in, reminding us that it is better to try and fail than to never try at all. The people who are willing to put themselves out there and take risks are the ones who will ultimately achieve great things.
The Power of Courage
Another theme that runs through Brene Brown's work is the power of courage. She has found that courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the willingness to do something despite the fear.
The "Man in the Arena" quote is a testament to the power of courage, as it speaks to the bravery required to step into the arena and face the challenges that come with it. It is not easy to be the one who is actually doing the work and taking the risks, but it is ultimately more rewarding than sitting on the sidelines and criticizing others.
The Importance of Failure
Finally, the "Man in the Arena" quote also speaks to the importance of failure. Brene Brown has found that people who are willing to fail and learn from their mistakes are more likely to succeed in the long run.
Failure is not something to be ashamed of, but rather something to be embraced as a necessary part of the learning process. The people who are willing to fail and try again are the ones who will ultimately achieve great things.
Conclusion
The "Man in the Arena" quote is a powerful reminder of the importance of vulnerability, courage, and failure in our lives. It encourages us to be the ones who are willing to take risks and put ourselves out there, even if we might fail or face criticism. By doing so, we can ultimately achieve great things and live more fulfilling lives.
