All critics write about their own sense and sensibilities. ~ Laurie Winer, O, 4/04

Along the sidelines of life, there will always be inferior people who throw mud at those whose attainments they do not quite understand. Those who really accomplish things don't pay attention to such detractors. They keep their eyes on the higher goal and the mud never touches them. ~ Jerome P. Fleishman

The simplest kind of guidance (critique) comes every day, and many times a day in the form of discomfort. ~ Barbara Ann Brennan

He who would acquire fame must not show himself afraid of censure. The dread of censure is the death of genius. ~ William Gillmore Simms

Sandwich every bit of criticism between two thick layers of praise. ~ Mary Kay Ash

Criticism challenges current findings. The effort to defend one's position can lead to deeper insights or consideration of options previously not considered. ~ Robert Redford

If Attila the Hun were alive today, he'd be a dramatic critic. ~ Edward Albee, Stagebill, Dec '81

People call you this or that. But I can’t respond because then it seems like I’m defensive, you know, what does it matter, really? ~ Bob Dylan, Rock 'N' Roll: The Famous Lyrics

I find the pain of a little censure, even when it is unfounded, is more acute than the pleasure of much praise. ~ Thomas Jefferson

The naysayers, they don't mean a thing. ~ Venus Williams, USA Today, 7/5/07

The only players I hurt with my words are the ones who have an inflated opinion of their ability. ~ Bill Parcells

People who are criticizing... don't really get it, because if they did, they would like it. ~ Gwyneth Paltrow, People, 2/26/09

There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

We read critics for the perceptions, for what they tell us that we didn’t fully grasp when we saw the work. The judgments we can usually make for ourselves. ~ Pauline Kael

Sandwich every bit of criticism between two layers of praise. ~ Mary Kay Ash

Praise those of your critics for whom nothing is up to standard. ~ Dag Hammarskjöld

Remember that unjust criticism is often a disguised compliment. ~ Dale Carnegie

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