On the nature and usefulness of criticism

"The man who is worthy of being a real 'leader of men' and a true 'servant of God' will never complain about the ignorance or incompetence of his helpers (for this is his golden opportunity to lead and serve), the hurtful ingratitude of mankind (for this is his opportunity to grow in steadfastness), nor the inappreciation of the public (what the masses most desire and appreciate is not often truth and wisdom). These are all a purposeful part of the great game of life. To meet them and overcome them and not go down before them in disgust, discouragement, or defeat - that is the final proof of maturity."

-- William Boetcker

"Some criticism will be honest and constructive, and some will be a reflection of the critic's immaturity and/or exhaustion, just like some praise you will truly deserve, and some will be insincere and patronizing. You can't let criticism or praise become too important to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in defending against the former and needing the latter."

-- John Wooden

"The highest order of mind and spirit is accused of error and folly, as well as the lowest. Nothing is thoroughly approved of by man but conformity and mediocrity. The majority and the powerful have established this rule and fix their fangs on whatever and whoever get beyond it either way."

-- Blaise Pascal

"Give no time or energy to finding fault with criticism or retaliating in kind. Instead, filter out the emotional intensity of the comment and sift through its real content, searching your heart and asking God for input, and then you can let it go."

-- Marvin J. Ashton

"The majority of people permit relatives, friends, bosses, and the public at large to so severely influence them that they cannot live their own lives or fully express themselves, because they so desperately fear criticism and need approval."

-- Napoleon Hill

"A successful man asks God to help him lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him."

-- Sidney Greenberg

"Everything I did in my life that was important and worthwhile I also caught some hell for."

-- Earl Warren

"Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain - and most fools generally do."

-- Dale Carnegie

"He only truly profits from praise who sincerely values criticism."

-- Heinrich Heine


And here are a few of my own thoughts on this fascinating topic:

"The degree to which you resist or suffer a criticism often reflects the degree to which you believe or struggle with it."

-- Yours Truly

"Your friends and their affirmations are valuable; your enemies or others' criticism just as much. All are blessing."

-- Yours Truly

"The harshness and intensity of criticism often reveals more about the critic than the object of his criticism."

-- Yours Truly