263 Quotes by Marshall B. Rosenberg

NVC is a reminder; to focus our attention where we are most likely to get our needs met.

All criticism, attack, insults, and judgments vanish when we focus attention on hearing the feelings and needs behind a message. The more we practice in this way, the more we realize a simple truth: behind all those messages we’ve allowed ourselves to be intimidated by are just individuals with unmet needs appealing to us to contribute to their well-being.

The ability to offer empathy to people in stressful situations can defuse potential violence.

Perhaps you are surprised that I regard praise and compliments to be life-alienating. Notice, however, that appreciation expressed in this form reveals little of what’s going on in the speaker; it establishes the speaker as someone who sits in judgment. I define judgments – both positive and negative – as life-alienating communication.

Remember that whatever anyone does, it is an effort to meet a need.

When we fear punishment, we focus on consequences, not on our own values.

We are designed for Giving.

The punitive use of force tends to generate hostility and to reinforce resistance to the very behavior we are seeking.

MBR: First, I’d like to know what I said or did that made life more wonderful for you.