The more we use words that in any way imply criticism, the more difficult it is for people to stay connected to the beauty within themselves.

You don't have to be brilliant. It's enough to become progressively less stupid.

We can never make anyone do anything against their will without enormous consequences.

NVC enhances inner communication by helping us translate negative internal messages into feelings and needs. Our ability to distinguish our own feelings and needs and to empathize with them can free us from depression.

Understanding the other persons' needs does not mean you have to give up on your own needs.

Peace requires something far more difficult than revenge or merely turning the other cheek; it requires empathizing with the fears and unmet needs that provide the impetus for people to attack each other. Being aware of these feelings and needs, people lose their desire to attack back because they can see the human ignorance leading to these attacks; instead, their goal becomes providing the empathic connection and education that will enable them to transcend their violence and engage in cooperative relationships.

As we learn to speak from the heart we are changing the habits of a lifetime.