Chinese Quote by Marshall B. Rosenberg
“The Chinese philosopher Chuang-Tzu stated that true empathy requires listening with the whole being: The hearing that is only in the ears is one thing. The hearing of the understanding is another. But the hearing of the spirit is not limited to any one faculty, to the ear, or to the mind. Hence it demands the emptiness of all the faculties. And when the faculties are empty, then the whole being listens. There is then a direct grasp of what is right there before you that can never be heard with the ear or understood with the mind.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Nonviolent Communication, 2003
Deep empathy requires emptying the mind and heart, allowing a whole‑being listening that perceives truth beyond rational thought.
In simple terms: Listen with whole being, beyond ears and mind.
Key Takeaway
Practice emptying mental chatter to truly hear others.
Themes
empathy
mindfulness
communication
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- counseling
- personal growth
Key Concepts
nonviolent communication
spiritual listening
holistic perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you cultivate inner emptiness?
- What barriers prevent whole‑being listening?
A Different Perspective
Emptying the mind can be difficult in noisy environments.
