Paul Watzlawick
Paul Watzlawick (1921-2007) was an Austrian-American communication theorist and psychologist who developed five pragmatic axioms explaining fundamental principles of human communication. His work bridges psychology and communication studies, offering practical frameworks for understanding relationship dynamics. His most famous insight, “One cannot not communicate,” emphasizes that all behavior conveys meaning. Watzlawick’s axioms address how communication is unavoidable, contains content and relational dimensions, operates in circular patterns, uses both verbal and nonverbal modes, and creates symmetrical or complementary relationships. His theories remain influential in family therapy, organizational communication, and conflict resolution.