Constructive Criticism Quotes For Progress, Not Perfection
The following collection of quotes is all about constructive criticism and taking on useful feedback for growth.
What is constructive criticism?
Constructive criticism is criticism that is meant to help the recipient improve, rather than simply communicate negative feelings.
It’s providing insight, experience, understanding and suggestions that can help another. It’s designed to build and encourage, not to be negative or judgemental.
Constructive criticism is helpful; it’s offering an opinion that you believe has merit, but which doesn’t violate the rights of others and isn’t simply insulting.
It is not about putting down people, making fun of them, calling their ideas stupid or judging them without knowing the circumstances behind what’s being talked about.
Is constructive criticism a good thing?
Constructive criticism is, in essence, a good thing.
Constructive criticism can be beneficial if the goal is improvement, such as having a growth mindset.
However, if the goal is simply to express negative feelings or for personal enjoyment without concern for others, it may not only fail to benefit the recipient but may actually harm them.
Constructive Criticism Quotes
“Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots.” Frank A. Clark
“Do not let arrogance go to your head and despair to your heart; do not let compliments go to your head and criticisms to your heart; do not let success go to your head and failure to your heart.” Roy T. Bennett
“Value those who give you constructive criticism, because without them doing so, you will never reach the peak of what you are do.” Unarine Ramaru
“An acquaintance merely enjoys your company, a fair-weather companion flatters when all is well, a true friend has your best interests at heart and the pluck to tell you what you need to hear.” E.A. Bucchianeri
“Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
“I didn’t have everything served to me on a silver platter during my career; unfair criticism helped me.” Filippo Inzaghi
“Every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration. Constructive criticism is not only to be expected but sought.” Margaret Chase Smith
“I do not take constructive criticism from people who have never constructed anything.” Eric Thomas
“When virtues are pointed out first, flaws seem less insurmountable.” Judith Martin
“I like constructive criticism from smart people.” Prince
“The dread of criticism is the death of genius.” William Gilmore Simms
“Criticism in good faith is good. When it’s targeted solely to destruction, I’m not interested.” Andrea Bocelli
“I will take every constructive criticism, make it my own, learn from my mistake, and go forward.” Julie Payette
“Constructive criticism is about finding something good and positive to soften the blow to the real critique of what really went on.” Paula Abdul
“Criticise privately but compliment publicly.” Amit Kalantri
“Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body; it calls attention to the development of an unhealthy state of things. If it is heeded in time, danger may be averted; if it is suppressed, a fatal distemper may develop.” Winston Churchill
“Any fool can criticize, complain, and condemn—and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.” Dale Carnegie
“To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.” Elbert Hubbard
“The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.” Norman Vincent Peale
“If someone feels afraid to tell you honest criticism, then you’re never going to improve.” Cole Sprouse
“Few people have the wisdom to prefer the criticism that would do them good, to the praise that deceives them.” Francois de La Rochefoucauld
“I much prefer the sharpest criticism of a single intelligent man to the thoughtless approval of the masses.” Johannes Kepler
“Wise people prefer to benefit from constructive criticism rather than be ruined by false praise.” Shiv Khera
What should I keep in mind when offering constructive criticism?
Be sure to make it clear that the goal is improvement, and not simply for you to express your opinion.
It can also help to ask questions about their point of view or reasoning, as this may uncover facts or ideas you weren’t aware of before.
Remember to use “I” statements rather than “you” statements, as the latter can come across as accusatory and nobody benefits from negative criticism.
What should I keep in mind when receiving constructive criticism?
Don’t immediately dismiss their feedback just because it may be unpleasant.
Try to separate yourself from your work, and objectively consider the feedback you’ve been given.
Is there anything they said surprising or insightful? If so, what can you learn from it?
For more interesting and inspiring quotes for growth and improvement, be sure to check out:
