The Real Meaning of Criticism

“If your attitude is one of [passive] acceptance, you live in fear of criticism, and when doubt arises, as it must arise, you carefully and sedulously destroy it. Yet it is only through doubt, through criticism, that you can fulfill; and the purpose of life is to fulfill, not to accumulate, not to achieve.”

— J. Krishnamurti

Criticism doesn’t mean opposing an idea or passing jarring remarks. It means examining an aspect or situation to discover its real value.

When you want to buy a home, do you simply choose one that costs as much as your friend’s house? No. You consider factors, like: How well is it made? How is the neighborhood? How far is it from a school and from your and your partner’s workplace? Does it fulfill your current and future needs?

If the price is higher than the benefits, you either don’t buy the house, or you bargain until the benefits are higher.

Apply a similar model to every aspect of life. Don’t accept an idea, tool, or philosophy just because it offers some benefit, or because others say you should use it. Examine it critically. Ask: How will it impact the factors that determine my success and happiness? Do the benefits substantially outweigh the price I will have to pay? If the answer to both is yes, embrace it. If not, look for a better alternative.

Likewise, always be examining yourself. Ask: Does what I’m doing contribute to the values I hold dear? Will it help me grow?

Yes, this will create uncertainty and doubt in your life. But such doubt and criticism is the way to find and fulfill your purpose.

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