Labeling and diagnosis is a catastrophic way to communicate. Telling other people what's wrong with them greatly reduces, almost to zero, the probability that we're going to get what we're after.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
Anger, depression, guilt, and shame are the product of the thinking that is at the base of violence on our planet.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Negative emotions contribute to violent behavior.
In this quote, Marshall B. Rosenberg suggests that emotions such as anger, depression, guilt, and shame arise from a certain way of thinking which fosters violence. He implies that addressing and transforming these underlying thoughts and feelings can help mitigate violence in society.
Themes
AngerDepressionGuiltShameViolenceThoughtEmotions
In practice
Example use cases
In a talk about conflict resolution, one might use this quote to illustrate how underlying emotions can lead to violence.
More from Marshall B. Rosenberg
All quotes βWhether I praise or criticize someone's action, I imply that I am their judge, that I'm engaged in rating them or what they have done.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
In nonviolent communication, no matter what words others may use to express themselves, we simply listen for their observations, feelings, needs, and requests. Then we may wish to reflect back, paraphrasing what we have understood. We stay with empathy, allowing others the opportunity to fully express themselves before we turn our attention to solutions or requests for relief.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
All that has been integrated into NVC has been known for centuries about consciousness, language, communication skills, and use of power that enable us to maintain a perspective of empathy for ourselves and others, even under trying conditions.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
The punitive use of force tends to generate hostility and to reinforce resistance to the very behavior we are seeking.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
Expressing our vulnerability can help resolve conflicts.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
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