Attitude Toward Criticism
Closely akin to worry is over-sensitiveness to criticism. The following anonymous article appeared in a college paper some time ago. It is apt and contains much truth. “‘Say nothing, do nothing, be nothing, then you will escape criticism’, goes an old saying. Could anything ring truer? The most maligned men and women are those who are doing the most and doing it in a conscientious manner. Analyze the person who boasts of never being criticised and you will find nothing. Some persons, to escape criticism take a middle course; first catering toward this side, then leaning toward the other. They call it tact; it is really moral cowardice. Others allow the shafts of criticism to break down their self-respect, their confidence in their own ability. This, too, is the wrong attitude. Criticism is a recognition that you are of sufficient importance to stimulate remarks from someone and besides, the right kind of criticism is always constructive. The other kind, oh, it comes mostly from the class who escape criticism.”
While the above is true it needs careful thought. It should not be forgotten that criticism is often justly given, and means that the ability of some one is not up to the standard or that they are failing to do their best. The teacher, however, who does his duty as he knows it best, need never allow criticism to give him any trouble or worry. It may mean only that he is doing something worth talking about.