A Classic...Chapter 1 - Criticism

When I first started my sales career, a few classic - life changing books were recommended to me.  These books started me on a journey of learning that has been very rewarding. 

I recently reacquainted myself with one of those books, Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People".  

In Chapter 1, Carnegie admonishes us to "Never criticize, condemn or complain..."  Certainly a high calling, and one at which I am still learning.  He makes these observations which are valuable:

"By criticizing, we do not make lasting changes, and often incur resentment..."  and he quotes Abraham Lincoln, who says this about those in whom we find fault, "Don't criticize them, they are just what we would be under similar circumstances."  Lincoln also said, "Sharp criticisms and rebukes almost always end in futility."  I've experienced this futility to be sure.

A couple of more gems from this chapter:

"Any fool can criticize and condemn and complain, and most fools do.  But it takes character and self control to be understanding and forgiving."

"A great man shows his greatness by the way he treats "little men"."

So yes, I learned again about criticism, condemning and complaining, but I was also prompted to consider how well I receive criticism.  In another wonderful book, which I put my hands on in my mid 20's it says this:

Proverbs 9:8

Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.

It seems there is a direct correlation between those who criticize, and those critics' ability to receive criticism themselves.  

How welcoming am I to criticism, and how much do I love those who are willing to step out and correct me?  Good questions for me to ponder for sure.

I'll leave you with this one:

Proverbs 27:6

Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.