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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the long-standing knowledge about empathy and communication that helps us navigate difficulties.
Marshall B. Rosenberg highlights that the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) draw from centuries of understanding regarding consciousness, language, and communication. This knowledge equips us to cultivate empathy towards ourselves and others, particularly in challenging situations, fostering better relationships and social harmony.
Themes
EmpathyCommunicationUnderstandingConsciousnessRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop on effective communication, this quote could be used to stress the importance of empathy when engaging with participants.
More from Marshall B. Rosenberg
All quotes →Whether 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
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
You can't make your kids do anything. All you can do is make them wish they had. And then, they will make you wish you hadn't made them wish they had.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
Similar quotes
People don't listen to understand. They listen to reply. The collective monologue is everyone talking and no one listening.
Stephen CoveyRead
Evil communication corrupts good manners. I hope to live to hear that good communication corrects bad manners.
Benjamin BannekerRead
The art of conversation lies in listening.
Malcolm ForbesRead
There is more than a verbal tie between the words common, community, and communication.... Try the experiment of communicating, with fullness and accuracy, some experience to another, especially if it be somewhat complicated, and you will find your own attitude toward your experience changing.
John DeweyRead
He says a million things without saying a word. I have never heard a more eloquent silence.
Laurie Halse AndersonRead
I learned to write because I am one of those people who somehow cannot manage the common communications of smiles and gestures, but must use words to get across things that other people would never need to say.
Bill JamesRead