Reframe Harsh Criticism: 5 Fast Quotes
Happy #FastTipsFridays! Every writer (and human being) knows the sting of harsh criticism. There’s a difference between biting attacks and constructive feedback, but even when you know that difference it can be difficult to reframe hurtful words. Here are 5 quotes I return to during those times.
“There are too many people today who instead of feeling hurt are acting out their hurt; instead of acknowledging pain, they’re inflicting pain on others . . . Emotional stoicism is not badassery. Blustery posturing is not badassery. Swagger is not badassery. Perfection is about the furthest thing in the world from badassery.”
– Brené Brown
“I criticize by creation, not by finding fault.”
– Cicero
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles . . . . The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
“We live on the circumference of a hollow circle. We draw the circumference, like spiders, out of ourselves: it is all criticism of criticism.”
– Laura Riding
“The motive behind criticism often determines its validity. Those who care criticize where necessary. Those who envy criticize the moment they think that they have found a weak spot.”
– Criss Jami
