It is not the most lovable individuals who stand more in need of love, but the most unlovable
Ashley MontaguRead
Human communication, 'as the saying goes, is a clash of symbols' it covers a multitude of signs. But it is more than media and messages, information and persuasion; it also meets a deeper need and serves a higher purpose. Whether clear or garbled, tumultuous or silent, deliberate or fatally inadvertent, communication is the ground of meeting and the foundation of community. It is, in short, the essential human connection.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes that communication is not just about exchanging information, but is fundamental to human connection and community.
Ashley Montagu highlights the complexity of human communication, indicating that it transcends mere words and messages. It serves a profound purpose in fulfilling human needs for connection and belonging, acting as the foundation for relationships and communities, whether expressed clearly or lost in misunderstanding.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of effective communication in relationships.
It is not the most lovable individuals who stand more in need of love, but the most unlovable
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.
There is a silence that matches our best possibilities when we have learned to listen to others. We can master the art of being quiet in order to be able to hear clearly what others are saying. . . . We need to cut off the garbled static of our own preoccupations to give to people who want our quiet attention.
If the communications media are a good destined for all humanity, then ever-new means must be found - including recourse to opportune legislative measures - to make possible a true participation in their management by all. The culture of co-responsibility must be nurtured.
Despite all the technical improvements, it still boils down to a man or a woman and a microphone, playing music, sharing stories, talking about issues -- communicating with an audience.
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.
So if you aspire to be a good conversationali st, be an attentive listener.
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