When we hear the other person's feelings and needs, we recognize our common humanity.

Social change involves helping people see new options for making life wonderful that are less costly to get needs met.

Two things distinguish nonviolent actions from violent actions. First, you don't see an enemy and second, your intention is not to make the other side suffer.

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.

With empathy, I'm fully with them, not full of them — that's sympathy.

Anger can be a wonderful wake up call to help you understand what you need and what you value.

When I recognize I've got anger, then I realize it's because I have a need that's not being met.