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
Violence comes from the belief that other people cause our pain and therefore deserve punishment.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Violence stems from the belief that others are to blame for our suffering and must be punished.
This quote by Marshall B. Rosenberg highlights the underlying psychological perspective that violence often arises from an externalized view of pain. When individuals perceive their suffering as a result of others' actions, they may feel justified in seeking revenge or punishment, failing to recognize that healing and resolution come from understanding and compassion rather than violence.
Themes
ViolencePainCompassionPunishmentBelief
In practice
Example use cases
During a community meeting about conflict resolution, this quote can emphasize the need for understanding rather than retribution.
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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