Vernon Howard Quotes

On many issues, empathy can pull us in the wrong direction. The outrage that comes from adopting the perspective of a victim can drive an appetite for retribution.

I'm fortunate enough to have learned not to waste time getting frustrated with my kids, or co-workers, or friends and family for not doing everything I wish they would. If someone doesn't respond to me the way I want them to, I understand that it doesn't have anything to do with me.

When people express opinions that differ from yours, take it as a chance to grow. Seek to understand over being understood. Be curious, not defensive. The only way to disarm another human being is by listening.

It's always easier to dismiss other people than to go through the awkward and time consuming process of understanding them.

People are starting to understand the other side's perspective and that's where empathy can sort of begin - once you quit judging other people but just understand where they're coming from.

When you're frustrated with people, when they've made you angry, it just may be because you haven't given them enough time.

I don't like what you're doing, but I won't insult you. Why? Because who you are tomorrow may be better than who I am today

Difficult situations require compassion, level-headedness & the empathy to see issues from somebody else's perspective.

How barbarous, to deny men the privilege of pursuing what they imagine to be their proper concerns and interests! Yet, in a sense, this is just what you are doing when you allow your indignation to rise at their wrongdoing; for after all, they are only following their own apparent concerns and interests. You say they are mistaken? Why then, tell them so, and explain it to them, instead of being indignant.

Learning from one's enemies is the best way to love them, for it puts one into a grateful mood toward them.

Here is the true meaning and value of compassion and nonviolence, when it helps us to see the enemy's point of view, to hear his questions, to know his assessment of ourselves. For from his view we may indeed see the basic weaknesses of our own condition, and if we are mature, we may learn and grow and profit from the wisdom of the brothers who are called the opposition.

Hating people isn’t a productive way of living. So what’s the point in hating anyone? There’s enough hate in the world as it is, without me adding to it.

It doesn't do you any service to demonize any group of people. It's much better to try and understand from the inside.

Empathy is an antidote to righteousness, although it's very difficult to empathize across a moral divide

Remember that other people may be totally wrong. But they don't think so. Don't condemn them. Any fool can do that. Try to understand them. Only wise, tolerant, exceptional people even try to do that.

I'm not someone who feels anger on particular issues.

Maybe one of you can enlighten me, but I just don't understand why it is so hard to be kind to one another?

I think we all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it.

I just don't know that shame and fear need to be our teachers; rather, compassion, understanding, and love should be our guides.

I've been ripped for being too sensitive, but I do think people need to walk in another person's shoes before they accuse them of being too sensitive.

I have never been attracted to any kind of violence.

When people need love and understanding and support the most is when they deserve it the least.

In any business, the more you learn, the more sympathetic you can be to other people's positions.

My mother is a ball of fire in the world, and I love that about her. But what I have learned from my stepdad is something as important, which is patience and compassion. Because when you are living with someone else, those two qualities go a long way.

Walk a mile in my shoes is good advice. Our children will learn to respect others if they are used to imagining themselves in another's place.