Criticism

“Criticism is a privilege that you earn — it shouldn’t be your opening move in an interaction…

[…]

The notion that the only way you can critically engage with a person’s ideas is to take a shot at them, is to be openly critical — this is actually nonsense. Some of the most effective ways in which you deal with someone’s idea are to treat them completely at face value, and with an enormous amount of respect. That’s actually a faster way to engage with what they’re getting at than to lob grenades in their direction…

If you’re going to hold someone to what they believe, make sure you accurately represent what they believe.”

– Malcolm Gladwell

From this Brain Pickings post: Malcolm Gladwell on criticism, tolerance, and changing your mind

2 Comments leave a comment below

  1. I SO needed this today. It speaks so directly to a situation I’m dealing with that it’s almost creepy :) Thank you for this and all of your other fantastic posts. Your site is my daily source for inspiration!

  2. Being critical can be a strength but if you don’t keep it in check it can also be your greatest weakness. Definitely makes you think. I just read this on criticism too:

    http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/05/10/young-minds-in-critical-condition/?ref=opinion