Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life

Nonviolent communication is based on the principle of Ahimsa, a Buddhist, Hindu, and Jainist principle that refers to “the natural state of compassion when no violence is present in the heart” (“Introduction to NVC.” The Center for Nonviolent Communication, 2024). It proposes that through creating authentic, empathetic connections, everyone’s needs can be met.

Rosenberg suggests that much of our communication in the world, both in terms of interpersonal conflict as well as larger-scale, global conflict, is based on violent principles that seek to ascertain wrongness in one party and administer punishment to them. Communication that is based on this assumption is unlikely to yield mutually satisfactory solutions; in fact, it often results in emotional escalation, tension, and further conflict. Rosenberg’s novel approach proposes that everyone has needs that deserve to be met, and that we should fully hear and empathize with the unmet needs and associated feelings of others in order to eliminate conflict and foster happiness and contentment. Through mediation based on the principles of Nonviolent Communication, Rosenberg has helped people to “transform enemy images that imply wrongness,” as “when people can see the needs of the other person they don’t see an enemy” (Bertrand, Michael.