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 is a signal that you're distracted by judgmental or punitive thinking, and that some precious need of yours is being ignored.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Anger often arises when our needs are unmet and judgment clouds our perception.
This quote by Marshall B. Rosenberg suggests that anger serves as a warning signal indicating that we may be engaging in judgmental thoughts and neglecting our own essential needs. By recognizing anger as a form of distraction, we can shift our focus towards understanding what we truly require and how to address those unmet needs effectively.
Themes
AngerNeedsJudgmentEmotionsMindfulness
In practice
Example use cases
During a workshop on emotional intelligence, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of recognizing one's feelings.
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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