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
NVC suggests behind every action, however ineffective, tragic, violent, or abhorrent to us, is an attempt to meet a need.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Every action, no matter how negative, arises from an underlying need.
Marshall B. Rosenberg’s quote highlights the concept that all human actions, even those that seem harmful or misguided, are driven by an inherent desire to fulfill a need. This perspective encourages empathy by suggesting that understanding the needs behind actions, rather than merely judging the actions themselves, can lead to more compassionate responses and communication.
Themes
NeedsEmpathyCommunicationActionsUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about conflict resolution, this quote can be shared to remind people to seek understanding rather than judgment.
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
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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