Daring Greatly

14.95

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Specs

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Description

Based on twelve years of research, thought leader Dr. Brene? Brown argues that vulnerability is not weakness, but rather our clearest path to courage, engagement, and meaningful connection.

  • Author: Brené Brown
  • Publisher: Avery
  • Published: 2012-09-11
  • Pages: 302
  • ISBN-13: 9781592407330

Additional information

Author

Brene Brown

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Summary

What the internet says

Aggregated insights from reviews and discussions across the web.

Overall reception: Mostly positive

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown receives overwhelmingly positive reception online, with readers praising its research-backed approach to vulnerability and shame. The book has sold over 2 million copies and maintains strong ratings on Goodreads, where readers describe it as 'enlightening' and a 'paradigm shifter.' Many appreciate Brown's authentic, casual tone that avoids the typical didactic style of self-help books, instead presenting her findings from 12 years of sociological research in an accessible way. Reviewers frequently mention how the book reframes vulnerability as strength rather than weakness, challenging cultural myths and providing fresh perspectives on courage, shame, and wholehearted living.

However, the book faces notable criticism from some readers who question its scientific rigor and practical application. Critics point out that Brown's research methodology appears to ignore existing scientific literature and lacks hypothesis testing, relying instead on qualitative interviews that some view as circular reasoning. Several reviewers express confusion about the book's classification, noting it lacks practical tools or exercises typical of self-help books and doesn't engage with established psychological concepts like the Super-Ego despite being marketed as psychology. The broadness of Brown's definition of 'shame'—encompassing everything from self-loathing to embarrassment to perfectionism—also draws criticism for being overly expansive and potentially harmful, with some arguing that shame can serve legitimate social functions.

What readers loved

  • Research-backed content based on 12 years of pioneering sociological research with thousands of interviews
  • Authentic and casual tone that avoids preachy self-help style, with Brown sharing her own vulnerabilities and experiences
  • Reframes vulnerability as courage and strength rather than weakness, providing a paradigm-shifting perspective
  • Explores the distinction between shame and guilt, offering insights into how shame affects men and women differently
  • Provides valuable viewpoints across multiple life domains: professional, partner, friend, and parent roles
  • Humor and candor make complex topics accessible and engaging
  • Addresses real-world applications with concrete examples from various aspects of life

Common critiques

  • Lacks practical suggestions, tools, or exercises for actually becoming more vulnerable despite being marketed as self-help
  • Questionable research methodology that appears to ignore existing scientific literature and lacks hypothesis testing
  • Overly broad definition of 'shame' that encompasses nearly all negative emotions including anxiety, embarrassment, and perfectionism
  • Makes potentially harmful claims that shame is never helpful, ignoring research suggesting shame-based societies have less crime and mental illness
  • Doesn't engage with established psychological concepts like the Super-Ego despite being marketed as psychology

Based on reviews from

  • Goodreads
  • Bookclubs.com
  • Cannonball Read
Last updated May 18, 2026 Summary based on publicly available reviews. May not reflect every reader's experience.