We only feel dehumanized when we get trapped in the derogatory images of other people or thoughts of wrongness about ourselves.

When we listen for feelings and needs - we can see that people who seem like monsters are simply human beings whose language and behavior sometimes keep us from seeing their humanness.

In empathy, you don't speak at all. You speak with the eyes. You speak with your body. If you say any words at all, it's because you are not sure you are with the person. So you may say some words. But the words are not empathy. Empathy is when the other person feels the connection with what's alive in you.

NVC is founded on language and communication skills that strengthen our ability to remain human, even under trying conditions.

When we are angry, killing people is too superficial.

What others do may be the stimulus of our feelings, but never the cause.

A respectful understanding of another's experience.