Arms Quote by Nancy Mairs
“In a society that prates about, but seldom practices, communication, the craving to be listened to, heard, understood - which originates with the first terrified wail, the circling arms, the breast, the consolatory murmur - is hard to assuage.”
About This Quote
It reflects the human need for deep, empathetic listening, rooted in early caregiving experiences.
In simple terms: We crave being truly heard and understood.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize genuine listening.
Themes
empathy
communication
human connection
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- therapy
- family gatherings
- work meetings
Key Concepts
attachment theory
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you offer deeper listening?
- What early experiences shape your listening needs?
A Different Perspective
Listening alone may not heal all wounds.
![“Marie-Louise Mallet emphasizes the decreased control over the experience of listening as opposed to looking: To look is to choose one’s point of view. [ . . . ] To listen is to be “touched” without ever being able to touch what touches us, without being able to seize or retain it. [ . . . ] It is…” quote by Marie-Louise Mallet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e52/marie-louise-mallet-178765_communication_marie-louise-mallet-emphasizes-the-decre_1844589.jpg)
![“In the grammar of the phallus -- the I, I, I -- [woman] can't utter female experience.” quote by Nancy Mairs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d05/nancy-mairs-20489_female_in-the-grammar-of-the-phallus-the-i-i-i_969766.jpg)
