“In the absence of data, we will always make up stories. In fact, the need to make up a story, especially when we are hurt, is part of our most primitive survival wiring. Mean making is in our biology, and our default is often to come up with a story that makes sense, feels familiar, and offers us insight into how best to self-protect.”

American academic, author and podcaster

Brené Brown is an American academic, author, and podcaster. She is known for her work on courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy, and for bringing those ideas into a wider public conversation through her writing and audio work. Her work is rooted in research and clear, direct explanation, which has made her a familiar voice in discussions of emotional resilience and human connection. On this site, 80 quotes are attributed to her.