Be part of the Hemlocks Movement

We believe that in a time of universal access to mass-communication, it is becoming essential that we uphold ourselves to a set of time-tested ideals, to avoid conflict, alienation and even civilizational collapse.

Universal social norms and ideas that have stood the test of time are those principles and behaviors that promote cooperation, harmony, and mutual respect within societies.

At the very basis of the Hemlock movement is the belief that the Golden Rule of reciprocity along with the ambition to be honest and decent, is the core of humanity, the behavior that sets us apart from other living beings.

The Hemlock ideals for a good conversation:

1. Listen Actively
   • Principle: Show genuine interest in the speaker's message.
   • Practice: Maintain eye contact, nod to show understanding, and refrain from interrupting. Use paraphrasing to confirm comprehension.
2. Speak Honestly and Clearly
   • Principle: Communicate truthfully and avoid ambiguity.
   • Practice: Be direct yet respectful. Use clear and concise language. Avoid jargon or overly complex terms unless necessary.
3. Respect Differences
   • Principle: Acknowledge and appreciate diverse perspectives.
   • Practice: Avoid dismissive language. Embrace differing opinions as opportunities for growth and understanding.
4. Show Empathy and Compassion
   • Principle: Understand and relate to others' feelings and viewpoints.
   • Practice: Use empathetic statements such as "I can understand why you feel that way." Validate the emotions of others even if you disagree with their opinions.
5. Maintain Confidentiality and Trust
   • Principle: Respect the privacy of the conversation and the people involved.
   • Practice: Do not share personal information or sensitive topics discussed in confidence with others without permission.
6. Be Patient and Open-Minded
   • Principle: Allow for thoughtful exchanges and be open to new ideas.
   • Practice: Give others time to express their thoughts fully. Approach discussions with a willingness to consider alternative viewpoints.
7. Avoid Hostility and Aggression
   • Principle: Maintain a calm and composed demeanor.
   • Practice: Refrain from yelling, insults, or inflammatory language. If tensions rise, suggest a pause or break in the conversation.
8. Constructive Feedback
   • Principle: Offer feedback that is helpful and positive.
   • Practice: Frame feedback in a constructive manner, focusing on behavior rather than personal attributes. Use “I” statements to express your observations and feelings.
9. Seek Common Ground
   • Principle: Aim for consensus and shared understanding.
   • Practice: Highlight areas of agreement before addressing differences. Work collaboratively towards mutually beneficial outcomes.
10. Express Gratitude and Appreciation
    • Principle: Recognize the value of others’ contributions.
    • Practice: Thank participants for their time, input, and willingness to engage in the conversation.
11. Stay on Topic
    • Principle: Keep the conversation focused on the subject at hand.
    • Practice: Avoid digressions and steer the discussion back to the main points when it strays.
12. Acknowledge Mistakes and Apologize When Necessary
    • Principle: Take responsibility for errors or misunderstandings.
    • Practice: If you misspeak or cause offense, acknowledge it promptly and sincerely. Offer a genuine apology and seek to rectify the situation.

You can try our ChatGPT assistant to check whether your text adheres to these qualities: