On Accepting Criticism

I read somewhere recently that we should accept criticism gracefully. We don’t have to agree with everyone, or even agree to disagree. What we should do is believe in ourselves, our abilities, and in our strengths because at some point we will encounter someone who doesn’t support what we do or how we do it. Their reasons could be rational, irrational, or whimsical. Instead of reacting angrily in defensiveness or silently because we believe them, we ought to listen with grace, patience, and understanding, not for them but for our own growth and well-being. It’s a great way to learn who we are and how to improve ourselves or our art.

This made me also think that since we know how difficult and painful it can be to receive criticism sometimes, especially when it is delivered in a cruel manner, we should make our very best effort to give criticism with kindness.