Criticism: Offer it constructively (1)

Perspectives

The 14th century identified criticism purely in the literary perspective; offering appraisal of art and literature. The 20th century saw it approaching pros and cons and identified it as scientific activity. Currently the 21st century is evidence to criticism being a loosely adopted method to have objection, express dissent and reject something outright with minimal compassion. Used meaningfully, criticism is an effective stimulus to generate personal growth and mitigate improvement in performance. Nonetheless a tool is not effective unless used suitably.  The content, intent and recipient ought to be fitting to make the impact. Criticism is effective if it matches these ground rules:

there are bitter truths that need to be spoken
they can however be spoken sweetly
rudeness is not mandatory
kindness is

Concise

Respectful

Insightful

Truthful

Introspective

Clear

Important

Sincere

Meaningful

Caterpillar to butterfly

Have we endured transformation like that of the caterpillar to a butterfly? An epiphany of sorts, altering the persona in incredible and inexplicable ways? Or an astounding change we observed in another, enough to pronounce: ‘Look at him! A while ago, he had given up on life. Wanting to slaughter all existence of himself end everything that connected him to reality; see him now, what a miraculous makeover!’ How did that transition take place? How does one grow (not merely with age and in size) but in character, ability and performance?

Challenge…yourself

Arguments come easy to humankind. And it seems that man enjoys it (women too). It’s common to dispute the opinions of others (that is bound to happen when one has to stand for oneself and safeguard self worth). But apart from arguing with others, there’s a good deal of quarrel put forth by the alter ego within one’s own self in all doings. The difference exists for sure because the self will lose (so what if it’s against ones own self) and no one likes losing. Consequentially, the commonality is that the alter ego stays dormant and the argument fails to occur at all.