Can do Quote by Marshall B. Rosenberg
“Please do as I requested, only if you can do so with the joy of a little child feeding a hungry duck. Please do not do as I request if there is any taint of fear of punishment if you don't. Please do not do as I request to buy my love, that, is hoping that I will love you more if you do. Please do not do as I request if you will feel guilty if you don't. Please do not do as I request if you will feel shameful. And certainly do not do as I request out of any sense of duty or obligation.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Nonviolent Communication, 2003
Requests should stem from genuine joy and compassion, not fear, guilt, shame, duty, or manipulation.
In simple terms: Ask from love, not obligation.
Offer help with childlike joy.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parenting
- team leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you acted out of love versus duty?
- How can you ensure requests are sincere?
People may misinterpret kindness as weakness.