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
Social change involves helping people see new options for making life wonderful that are less costly to get needs met.
Interpretation
Social change is about presenting affordable alternatives that enhance people's lives.
The quote highlights the importance of facilitating social change by broadening the perspectives of individuals regarding the ways they can fulfill their needs. By introducing more accessible options, we enable people to improve their quality of life without facing heavy financial burdens, fostering a supportive community where everyone's well-being is prioritized.
In practice
Using this quote during a community outreach meeting to emphasize the importance of innovative solutions for social issues.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The punitive use of force tends to generate hostility and to reinforce resistance to the very behavior we are seeking.
Expressing our vulnerability can help resolve conflicts.
There has been, and there will continue to be, vigorous discussions about race in America. I worry that little will come of these discussions because we aren't addressing what must be done to change the current racial climate.
What you saw was the people of New York having a debate, talking through these issues. It was contentious. It was emotional. But ultimately, they made a decision to recognize civil marriage. And I think that's exactly how things should work.
It may be unfair, but what happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime.
I've thought about what is an alternative word to feminism. There isn't one. It's a perfectly good word. And it can't be changed.
We may have to learn to live with cancer rather than die of it. It means a big change in our mindset and how we do research. We haven't quite reached there yet.
We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.
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