Man In The Arena Quote Brené Brown
Introduction
“Man in the Arena” is a quote from a speech given by former US President Theodore Roosevelt in 1910. The quote has since become popularized by Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, who has used it in her work on vulnerability, courage, and shame.
The Quote
The full quote is 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.”
Meaning
The quote speaks to the idea that it is not the critic or bystander who deserves credit or recognition, but rather the person who is actively participating in the arena of life. This person may stumble and fall, but they are striving valiantly and making an effort to achieve great things.
The quote also acknowledges that failure is a natural part of striving for greatness, and that even if a person fails, they have still dared greatly and should be respected for their efforts.
Application
The quote has been used by Brené Brown in her work on vulnerability and courage. She has applied the message of the quote to encourage people to take risks and be vulnerable in their personal and professional lives.
By embracing vulnerability and taking risks, people are able to step into the arena of life and strive valiantly towards their goals. Even if they fail, they can take comfort in the fact that they dared greatly and were not held back by fear or shame.
Conclusion
The “Man in the Arena” quote by Brené Brown is a powerful message that encourages people to take risks, be vulnerable, and strive for greatness. It reminds us that it is not the critic or bystander who deserves credit, but rather the person who is actively participating in the arena of life.
