Critics, who needs 'em?

Criticism is a bitch to hear and even worse to try and accept.

Credit: Ales Nesetril @ Unsplash

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I am trying to figure out the best ways to start these things without them reading like standard click bait opinion pieces I see everywhere these days so bear with me as I feel out how to get this done. You should also feel free to let me know if you see any obvious mistakes in these posts, regardless of whether it’s trivial, grammatical, or even a poor thought process or idea. Anything that jumps out at you. The original intent was to start this with “Let’s be honest…” but let’s be honest… that’s a worn out way to introduce writing at this point and a criticism I had about my own post prior to sending it out.

So all that brings me to the title. Critics, who needs them? Well, everyone if we ever want to improve. Criticism for criticism’s sake is likely devoid of value, though some knowledge can be gleaned in the vast majority of things. But what I am talking about is criticism by people who aren’t obviously full of malice for one reason or another. Criticism from everyone else should be taken seriously as the situation allows. If you wish to improve, listen to those who have already done what you’re attempting. If you want to learn, listen to those who have devoted their lives to that subject. If you want to grow, listen to everyone in earnest. It’s always surprising what even the most unlikely person can teach you or the perspective they can bring you didn’t have prior.

With that in mind, please offer me criticism (preferably constructive) if you believe it is deserved. I will do my best to learn from it and apply it if it’s useful. I am writing about these topics in order to compile everything into a single source for Dadly information for my kids and the last thing I want is to give them bad advice. Additionally, if I walk the walk like I am currently talking the talk I am hopeful the example will allow these lessons to hit home more. So if you know an English teacher and want to see them rip this essay to shreds, I would be grateful. If you know a philosopher that would chew up my logic and spit it out, please get this in front of them so I can watch it too. If you happen to be an intellect the likes of which I’d never recover if we faced off in a battle of wits, shoot that shot. I am open and eager and very aware I am not infallible.

Thank you.

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