Criticism quotes

Criticism

1.3K quotes on this topic — from poets, philosophers, and thinkers across history.

1.3K quotes

Explore further

Browse quotes that often appear alongside criticism — connected by shared ideas and recurring themes.

Quote collection

Criticism quotes (page 9 of 68)

Follow a thought to its author, or read the full quote page.

Edgar Allan Poe Poet, Writer
Criticism

"There is not a more disgusting spectacle under the sun than our subserviency to British criticism. It is disgusting, first, because it is truckling, servile, pusillanimous--secondly, because of its gross irrationality. We know the British to bear us little but ill will--we know that, in no case do they utter unbiased opinions of American books . . . we know all this, and yet, day after day, submit our necks to the degrading yoke of the crudest opinion that emanates from the fatherland."

Read quote 7 likes
Ezra Pound Poet, Critic
Criticism

"I consider criticism merely a preliminary excitement, a statement of things a writer has to clear up in his own head sometime or other, probably antecedent to writing; of no value unless it come to fruit in the created work later."

Read quote 7 likes
Carl Jung Psychiatrist, Psychoanalyst
Criticism

"Criticism can be effective when there is something that must be destroyed or dissolved, but it is capable only of harm when there is something to be built."

Read quote 7 likes
Denis Diderot Philosopher, Writer
Criticism

"If a misplaced admiration shows imbecility, an affected criticism shows vice of character. Expose thyself rather to appear a beast than false."

Read quote 7 likes
Alice Walker Novelist, Poet
Criticism

"It is healthier, in any case, to write for the adults one's children will become than for the children one's 'mature' critics often are."

Read quote 7 likes
William James Philosopher, Psychologist
Criticism

"The sway of alcohol over mankind is unquestionably due to its power to stimulate the mystical faculties of human nature, usually crushed to earth by the cold facts and dry criticisms of the sober hour."

Read quote 7 likes
Criticism

"Fortunately for me, I know well enough what I want, and am basically utterly indifferent to the criticism that I work to hurriedly. In answer to that, I have done some things even more hurriedly theses last few days."

Read quote 7 likes
Samuel Johnson Lexicographer, Essayist, Critic
Criticism

"I would rather be attacked than unnoticed. For the worst thing you can do to an author is to be silent as to his works."

Read quote 7 likes
Samuel Johnson Lexicographer, Essayist, Critic
Criticism

"All truth is valuable, and satirical criticism may be considered as useful when it rectifies error and improves judgment; he that refines the public taste is a public benefactor."

Read quote 7 likes
Theodore Roosevelt Politician, Author
Criticism

"To announce there must be no criticism of the president or that we are to stand with the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public."

Read quote 7 likes
Tim Ferriss Author, Entrepreneur, Podcaster
Criticism

"People who avoid all criticism fail. It's destructive criticism we need to avoid, not criticism in all forms."

Read quote 7 likes
Tim Robbins Actor, Director
Criticism

"I'm fairly competant as a director and actor, but I am Mr. Neurotic as a writer. I just don't have enough confidence in my abilities to take criticism well. I take it personally. Start with 'It's a masterpiece,' and then tell me what you think could be changed."

Read quote 7 likes
Felix Adler Philosopher, Social Reformer
Criticism

"Few are there that will leave the secure seclusion of the scholar's life, the peaceful walks of literature and learning, to stand out a target for the criticism of unkind and hostile minds."

Read quote 7 likes