Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1883-04-19
Critics md Criticism.


powers and capabilities, make him a
critic and subject of criticism.
Some men are selfish and oriticise
!; to be meaa; many are thoughtless
and uso this common weapon, little
noting the injury it causes; whilo a
few crlticise honestly, and are
prompted to action by a right motive
productive of only genuine goodness.
Performing our work, as we do, un-
der the keeu eye Of these critics (for
they are never ABSENT it is not
strange that we seldom finish a piece
Of work that fails to draw out COM
mcnts, perhaps complimentary ones,
but more likely the pith aud point is
in showing defects and exposing
absurdities. These unkind remarks
are often passed on q production
that has cost US much time and labor
when this is true they can out excite
unpleasant feelings, and if we are of
a sensitive nature they will certainly
be a source Of much ammo vance, and
may cause many evils. Some men
have cheated life of its true purpose
because of their lack of power to
divert attention from the criticisms
heaped upon them. 1t may be safely
said that our degree of success in
whatever we undertake depends
largely upon our power TO take little
note of unjust criticism, and TO re-
gard needless criticism az the pro-
duct of mind governed by passion
rather than discretion; when this is
effected, we must learn to place
the truth value on that criticism
which guards and elevstes us, that
tends to suppress our coarser nature
while it stimulates the tinor to vigor.
Gus action, giving the mind sbsolute
control of its poyers and establish
ing personal independence.
Good opinions and good judg-
msnts are among mans most valu-
able acquisitions, and csme only by
elaborate toll; whom these are showa
to the public rs defective, the origin
ator can but feel that ho hes failed
to accomplish his purpose; but in
this he can be wrong, as there may |
be want of ability in the critic to
Judge correctly. The person who is
ready to criticise everything. and In
dulges much in criticism, should be
called talker rather than q critic;
nothing Of value comes from him.
This kind of criticism should pass un-
noticed; let it bo regarded as idle
talk, INDUCED in by men having In
husncs in circle of society compos-
ed Of persons with no worthy aim
for o motto.
A more common kind of criticism
is that which is uncalled for. 1t
seems very natural for some persons
to indulge in commenting on others;
but back of this fault we find some
thing to admire and respect. The
critic in question is likely to have .
strong understanding and q solid
judgment; but even with thsse
commanding qualities he is disliked,
simply because he indulgos largely
in needless criticism. Even eur
best friends suffer under this COM
mon lash; but he who uses it cannot
further his own cause. 1t has a
reflex action. This same friend will
undoubtedly have accomplishments
that we secretly admire: they also
have their defects; but we are given
to expose the defects, while the per-
fections pass without praise. This
criticism comes through habit and
thoughtlessnsss, and cannot be taken
40 the true estimate we have for the
person. Even the professors, in our
best educational institutions, arc not
exempt from this habit. A student
rises to recits; through fear he
blunders along. only to resume his
seat after making a miserable failure.
This often occurs when the student
has clear idea of the subject; but
knowing the professor is very ready |
to smile At his blunders. he is unable
to concentrate his thoughts on the
lesson, In time the student may be
Indifferent 70 remarks OF this nature;
bat 1t seems like costly experience
for cheap benefit.
But the day of ruling by scorn
and sneers is nearly past, and the
effective work being done by the just
critics is now in tho advance. Every !
person should have, and the wise and