When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated. This is why we sometimes attack who they are, which is far more hurtful than addressing a behavior or a choice.
Bren BrownRead
Empathy fuels connection; sympathy drives disconnection.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Empathy fosters understanding and connection between people, while sympathy often creates distance.
In this quote, Brené Brown highlights the importance of empathy in building meaningful connections with others. Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another, which strengthens relationships, whereas sympathy can create a sense of separation, as it may imply pity rather than true understanding. This distinction underscores the value of genuine connection over mere acknowledgment of someone's hardships.
Themes
EmpathyConnectionRelationshipsUnderstandingSympathy
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop on emotional intelligence, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of understanding others.
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