Daring Greatly

How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

By: Brené Brown

Narrated by: Brené Brown

Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

The number one New York Times best seller. One million copies sold!

From thought leader Dr. Brené Brown, a transformative new vision for the way we lead, love, work, parent, and educate that teaches us the power of vulnerability. 

“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 at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” (Theodore Roosevelt)

Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable or to dare greatly. Based on 12 years of pioneering research, Dr. Brené Brown dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and argues that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage. 

Brown explains how vulnerability is both the core of difficult emotions like fear, grief, and disappointment, and the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, empathy, innovation, and creativity. She writes: “When we shut ourselves off from vulnerability, we distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives.” 

Daring Greatly is not about winning or losing. It’s about courage. In a world where “never enough” dominates and feeling afraid has become second nature, vulnerability is subversive. Uncomfortable. It’s even a little dangerous at times. And, without question, putting ourselves out there means there’s a far greater risk of getting criticized or feeling hurt. But when we step back and examine our lives, we will find that nothing is as uncomfortable, dangerous, and hurtful as standing on the outside of our lives looking in and wondering what it would be like if we had the courage to step into the arena - whether it’s a new relationship, an important meeting, the creative process, or a difficult family conversation. Daring Greatly is a practice and a powerful new vision for letting ourselves be seen. 

Includes a Bonus PDF with an appendix.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. 

©2012 Brené Brown (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“The brilliantly insightful Brené Brown draws upon extensive research and personal experience to explore the paradoxes of courage: we become strong by embracing vulnerability, we dare more greatly when we acknowledge our fear. I can’t stop thinking about this book.” (Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project)

"A wonderful book: urgent, essential and fun to read. I couldn't put it down, and it continues to resonate with me." (Seth Godin, author of Linchpin) 

"In an age of constant pressure to conform and pretend, Daring Greatly offers a compelling alternative: transform your life by being who you really are. Embrace the courage to be vulnerable. Dare to read this book!" (Chris Guillebeau, author of The $100 Startup) 

listen to “the power of vulnerability” instead

I wonder if everyone who gave it 5 stars has listened to “the power of vulnerability” I enjoyed it so much more. I couldn’t get into this book. I heard the same stories/anecdotes again from other books and it wasn’t deep enough for me. I listened to half of it but keep getting distracted by anything so I just stopped there. I greatly admire dr brene brown, she is definitely an eye opener and her work is life changing.

Thank god for Brene's Voice!

I know it should not matter when it comes to the lessons in this book but I have become so familiar with Brene's voice from her talks and other audio books and I could not get through the version that was not Brene. So thank you Brene for finally recording this important book yourself. I love your voice and cannot imagine hearing your stories from someone elses voice!

Gained Great Insight

I've been struggling lately with the idea that I'm not enough. not pretty enough, smart enough, strong enough, sweet enough, assertive enough. etc. I felt conflicted with social media as the root cause of these insecurities but a feeling of missing out if I'm not a member. With a 12 year old son, do I want him on social media only to feel the pressures and feelings of unworthiness as his mom? No, of course not. My sister suggested this book to me, and I am forever grateful to her and to Brene Brown for the insights I gained from this book. I know now I can't control social media but I have control over my reaction and use of it. I can look at social media from a more empathetic stance recognizing that some people are showing their vulnerabilities on social media and mostly, i realized that I can choose how to interpret what I see. That we are a world full of these ideas that can crush ones daringness but I dont need to hide or be silent. I am excited to pass on these insights to my son and forever grateful for these new insights.

Changed my life

This book literally changed my life (along with some other circumstances already happening... before and since). I was so thrilled to see it available narrated by Dr. Brown this time, because it just feels so much more real and easier to digest from her rather than a professional narrator.

I actually designed word art from the Theodore Roosevelt quote that is the namesake of the book and hung it on my office wall. Here's to "daring greatly!"

I highly recommend reading "The Gifts of Imperfection" as well before going on to Rising Strong and Braving the Wilderness. There is also a recorded seminar she did called "The Power of Vulnerability" which is a great introduction to everything as well.

Will return to this book!

I would recommend this book to anyone! I read about 3/4 from the book then the final 1/4 on audible. So glad I also discovered listening to Brene tell the stories which was a fun twist. So much to think about while reading. I feel so grateful for the support I feel I’ve always had. So much to digest regarding love and vulnerability. I could eat from this endless garden of knowledge everyday! In other words, I found a lot of comfort in this book, and have marked pages to reread as reminders and inspiration. Thank you Brene for Daring Greatly to share your research with the world.

finally Brené narrates

I love this 10x more with Brené narrating. since I listened to other audibles by her it was distracting listening to the book in another voice. such a great book on vulnerability and living your best life.

Very Relevant

This book is helping me to understand my feelings of confusion and dissatisfaction regarding my life. I admire Brene's courage to share such vulnerable stories. I am deeply grateful for her extensive research and and straight delivery of her findings. The book is lighthearted, despite the serious subject matter, and easy to listen to.

Love & Hate

Dr. Brown is a brave and compassionate woman and researcher. I have found her prescriptions for being shame-resilient and whole-hearted worthwhile.

However, if you have listened to The Power Of Vulnerability, you already know everything that this book could teach you.

I also noticed that she has fallen prey to the tempting idea that western society is just a patriarchy. I was surprised to find such wholesome, authentic perspective from her while also hearing ideological dogma. I can’t blame her for it. Most of our society is characterized by victimhood. #redpill

Short and impactful

I like that she packed in good content into a brief book. I like that it was 6 hours, not 20. Great book, impacted me as a parent and leader at work. I’ll do better at building people around me by encouraging/recognizing creativity and effort. I’ll be less critical of myself and others and try to focus on changing bad behaviors not labeling people/myself as bad.

Brené Brown doing Daring Greatly

Thank you so much Brené for narrating your work, it’s so much richer and nuanced which you stories and connection to the work, its so appreciated what you do.

People listen,
This lady’s work is bulletproof,
Her research goes so far and so deep that you can absolutely trust where she will take you when going deem in your own life.

Everyday is better when I come from courage and be brave in owning who I am when others try to pull me down.

Thanks again Brené,
I am in awe of your courage!