Some say that we shouldn't go around criticizing others. I strongly disagree. I say that criticism is a good thing and every rational person should beg the world for it.
If not for criticism when we were children, many of us would be littering the streets, sucking our thumbs, and picking our noses all the time. We probably would still believe that the earth is flat and the sun goes around it. Every adult is a child in some ways. So, if criticism benefitted us when we were children, it sure would help us now. Then, why not desire it?
I noticed that we (educated desi's with western orientation) are not exactly known for our ability to handle criticism. We get pretty defensive easily. Though I got a lot better at it over time, I too am guilty of mishandling criticism on spur of the moments, once in a while.
If criticism bothers us, it sure means one thing - we haven't yet (sufficiently) conquered our ego and our brain needs a tune-up. In my opinion, a criticism need not even be constructive (i.e., a criticism with recommended solution).
Say I meet someone in Austin, who is planning on driving East on US 290 to go to Minneapolis. Also say, I know that US 290 would not take that person to Minneapolis, and I don't know that I-35 would. What should I do? Should I not criticize (i.e., tell that person that going east is wrong) as I have no clue on what route that person must take? I think not. At a minimum, I should attempt to stop that person from going the wrong way. Of course, I do think that criticism should be offered calmly, guilelessly, and if possible, impersonally.
I came across a writing that interpreted John 5:22 as saying, we shouldn't criticize others. I believe that "The Father makes no judgment, but hath committed all judgment unto the son" is essentially saying that we are responsible for our own karma. It is not asking us to abstain from criticism.
If not for criticism when we were children, many of us would be littering the streets, sucking our thumbs, and picking our noses all the time. We probably would still believe that the earth is flat and the sun goes around it. Every adult is a child in some ways. So, if criticism benefitted us when we were children, it sure would help us now. Then, why not desire it?
I noticed that we (educated desi's with western orientation) are not exactly known for our ability to handle criticism. We get pretty defensive easily. Though I got a lot better at it over time, I too am guilty of mishandling criticism on spur of the moments, once in a while.
If criticism bothers us, it sure means one thing - we haven't yet (sufficiently) conquered our ego and our brain needs a tune-up. In my opinion, a criticism need not even be constructive (i.e., a criticism with recommended solution).
Say I meet someone in Austin, who is planning on driving East on US 290 to go to Minneapolis. Also say, I know that US 290 would not take that person to Minneapolis, and I don't know that I-35 would. What should I do? Should I not criticize (i.e., tell that person that going east is wrong) as I have no clue on what route that person must take? I think not. At a minimum, I should attempt to stop that person from going the wrong way. Of course, I do think that criticism should be offered calmly, guilelessly, and if possible, impersonally.
I came across a writing that interpreted John 5:22 as saying, we shouldn't criticize others. I believe that "The Father makes no judgment, but hath committed all judgment unto the son" is essentially saying that we are responsible for our own karma. It is not asking us to abstain from criticism.
1 comment:
Thanks for this post, Gopa. It's interesting to note that you should be talking about how to receive criticism, while my post was more about giving criticism. I liked your:
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I do think that criticism should be offered calmly, guilelessly, and if possible, impersonally.
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Even though i have been free with that (giving criticism) earlier, nowadays it is to some extent tempered with John 5:22.
As far as i am concerned, my ideal is not to give criticism. I feel it's better to take remedial action, if one can. Certainly, i have felt much more wonderful when i have kept quiet (and taken some action). That way, i'd be living more in sync with what i feel is the ideal state:
"Be strict with your own faults, but lenient with those of others".
This will ensure that i receive criticism/feedback in a positive way, while keeping quiet about the "faults" of others.
Please see Crouching Tiger, Chidden Monkey as well.
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