#criticism

If you are told that another has spoken ill of you, do not answer him, but laugh, and say: 'The man was ignorant of my other faults, or he would not have mentioned these alone.'

Think not those faithful who praise all thy words and actions, but those who kindly reprove thy faults.

If we had no faults we should not take so much pleasure in noting them in others.

We reprimand others not so much to correct their errors as to persuade them that we are exempt from them.

Keep your critic near you, build him a hut in your courtyard; for without soap and water, he cleanses your character.

Good medicine tastes bitter to the tongue, yet it cures the sickness; faithful counsel sounds harsh to the ear, yet it rectifies the life.

When another blames you or hates you, or people voice similar criticisms, go to their souls, penetrate inside and see what sort of people they are. You will realize there is no need to be racked with anxiety that they should hold any particular opinion about you.