50 pages • 1 hour read

Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2021

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction, Chapters 1-2

Chapters 3-4

Chapters 5-6

Chapters 7-8

Chapters 9-10

Chapter 11-Conclusion

Key Figures

Themes

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Index of Terms

Emotional Granularity

Emotional granularity is the specific difference between emotions that are similar to one another. While emotions like envy and jealousy or tranquility and calm might seem similar, there are subtle differences between them. Brown believes that understanding the specific differences between emotions gives language to our experience and leads to better self-awareness.

Vulnerability

Brené Brown defines vulnerability as “the emotion that we experience during times of uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure” (13). Vulnerability is tied to important experiences where we open ourselves up to others and take risks while a fear of vulnerability can cause many negative experiences.

Meaningful Connection

Brown believes that meaningful connection is a relationship where someone is seen, valued, and celebrated. She believes this is the most core longing and at the heart of our survival as a species. Atlas of the Heart explores the way different emotions and experiences manifest in our quest to find connection with ourselves and others.

Map-Making

Atlas of the Heart uses the symbol of maps (atlases) throughout the book as a metaphor for humans exploring our experience. Brown believes that knowing where we are, where we want to go, and where we have been are fundamental parts of the human experience.

Near-Enemies

A near enemy is something that can seem very similar but is entirely different. In emotions and experiences, it is something that “might look like and even feel like connection, but ultimately they drive us to be disconnected” (253). By understanding the difference between these experiences, we can be more intentional in how we show up in a relationship with others.