Marshall Rosenberg: The Founder of NVC
Information
Marshall Bertram Rosenberg (1934-2015) was an American psychologist who developed Nonviolent Communication in the 1960s. Today, NVC is taught in over 65 countries by thousands of certified trainers.
📖 Biography
Youth and awakening
Born on October 6, 1934, in Canton, Ohio, Marshall Rosenberg grew up in Detroit, Michigan. His childhood was deeply marked by violence.
Important
The founding event: In 1943, at age 9, Marshall witnessed the Detroit race riots that left 34 dead and hundreds injured. This week of violence deeply traumatized him and planted two questions that would guide his entire life: "What drives some people to violence?" "What allows others to remain compassionate even in the worst circumstances?"
At school, Marshall also experienced antisemitism. These experiences of violence drove him to seek ways to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Academic training
Marshall earned his PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Wisconsin in 1961, under the supervision of Carl Rogers, pioneer of humanistic psychology. This training would be decisive for the development of NVC.
🌟 Major Influences
Besoin identifié
Marshall Rosenberg sought to understand how to meet fundamental human needs without resorting to violence. Three thinkers particularly inspired him.
Carl Rogers (1902-1987)
Rogers' humanistic psychology, centered on empathic listening and unconditional positive regard, deeply influenced Rosenberg. Rogers believed that every person has the inner resources to develop.
Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)
Gandhi's concept of non-violence (ahimsa) inspired the very name "Nonviolent Communication." For Gandhi, non-violence was not passivity but an active force for transformation.
Martin Buber (1878-1965)
Buber's "I-Thou" dialogue philosophy contributed to the emphasis on authentic connection. Buber distinguished two modes of relationship: "I-It" (objectification of the other) and "I-Thou" (true encounter).
🌱 The Creation of NVC
In the 1960s, Marshall Rosenberg worked as a school psychologist in integrated schools in the American South, during the civil rights era. This is where he developed and refined the tools of NVC.
In 1984, he founded the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) to spread this approach around the world.
Exemple de dialogue
A famous exchange by Marshall Rosenberg in prison: During a workshop in a maximum-security prison, an inmate challenges him: "You can't understand what it's like to kill someone." Marshall responds calmly: "No, I can't. But I can imagine that when you did that, you must have desperately needed something. Can you tell me what it was?" After a long silence, the inmate breaks down in tears and begins to speak about his story for the first time.
📚 Main Books
Conseil
Which book to start with? If you're discovering NVC, start with "Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life." It's the reference work, accessible and comprehensive. To go deeper, "Living Nonviolent Communication" offers practical applications.
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Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life (1999) The reference work on NVC, translated into over 35 languages.
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Living Nonviolent Communication (2003) Practical applications in everyday life.
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Teaching Children Compassionately (2004) For educators and teachers.
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The Surprising Purpose of Anger (2005) Understanding anger through NVC.
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Practical Spirituality (2004) The spiritual dimension of NVC.
🌍 Global Legacy
Information
Marshall Rosenberg's impact in numbers: Over 65 countries where NVC is taught Over 500 certified trainers worldwide Millions of people trained in NVC Interventions in conflict zones: Rwanda, Israel-Palestine, Colombia, Northern Ireland...
Marshall Rosenberg's legacy extends to many fields:
- Education: NVC programs in schools
- Business: Compassionate management and conflict resolution
- Justice: Mediation programs and restorative justice
- Healthcare: Caregiver-patient communication
- Family: Positive parenting and couple communication
Marshall Rosenberg passed away on February 7, 2015, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, leaving behind a global movement for more empathic communication.
💬 Notable Quotes
"What I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart."
"Violence is the tragic expression of unmet needs."
"Behind every behavior, there is a need."
"We are never angry because of what others do, but because of what we think about what they do."
✍️ Reflection Exercise
Exercice pratique
Personal reflection à la Rosenberg: Marshall Rosenberg often asked this question: "What in my way of speaking contributes to violence in the world?" For one day, observe in yourself: The judgments you make (internally or out loud) The comparisons you make The "you should" or "you must" you use The moments when you deny your responsibility ("I have to...", "he made me...") Without judging yourself, simply note what you observe. This is the first step toward more conscious communication.