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Gavin De Becker

Gavin de Becker is an expert on the prediction and management of violence. He has served on President's Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Justice and the Governor's Advisory Board at the California Department of Mental Health; he now runs a consulting firm which advises government agencies, universities, police departments, corporations, and media figures on the assessment of threats and hazards.


“The institutions of psychiatry, law enforcement, and goverment have proved that no matter what our resources, you cannot reliable control the conduct of CRAZY PEOPLE. It is not fair, but it is so”
Gavin De Becker
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“Ginger is not distracted by the way things could be, used to be, or should be. She perceives only what is. Our reliance on the intuition of a dog is often a way to find permission to have an opinion we might otherwise be forced to call (God forbid) unsubstantiated.”
Gavin De Becker
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“Most men fear getting laughed at or humiliated by a romantic prospect while most women fear rape and death.”
Gavin De Becker
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“At core, men are afraid women will laugh at them, while at core, women are afraid men will kill them.”
Gavin De Becker
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“When dreaded outcomes are actually imminent we don't worry about themwe take action. Seeing lava from the local volcano make its way down the street toward our house does not cause worry it causes running. Also we don't usually choose imminent events as subjects for our worrying and thus emerges an ironic truth: Often the very fact that you are worrying about something means that it isn't likely to happen.”
Gavin De Becker
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“When a baby is born the mother in particular enters into a new larger relationship with the world. She has become connected to all people. She is part of keeping us on earthnot the "us" comprised of individuals but the species itself. By protecting this one baby this gift a mother accepts life's clearest responsibility.”
Gavin De Becker
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“While you may be able to keep your son Jimmy from owning [a gun], if you try to talk him out of wanting one, you are up against a pretty strong argument: You mean I shouldn't want a device that grants me power and identity, makes me feel dangerous and safe at the same time, instantly makes me the dominant male, and connects me to my evolutionary essence? Come on, Mom, get real!”
Gavin De Becker
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“It is understandable that the perspectives of men and women on safety are so different--men and women live in different worlds...at core, men are afraid women will laugh at them, while at core, women are afraid men will kill them.”
Gavin De Becker
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“Denial is a save now, pay later scheme.”
Gavin De Becker
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“You have the gift of a brilliant internal guardian that stands ready to warn you of hazards and guide you through risky situations.”
Gavin De Becker
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“intuition is always right in at least two important ways;It is always in response to something.it always has your best interest at heart”
Gavin De Becker
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“The solution to violence in America is the acceptance of reality”
Gavin De Becker
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