It is a barren kind of criticism which tells you what a thing is not.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Criticism that only defines what something is not fails to provide constructive insight or understanding.
- In plain terms
- Negative criticism doesn't help you understand what something actually is.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on what something is, not just what it isn't.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you give feedback that builds up?
- What is the value of negative criticism?
Another view
Sometimes defining limits is necessary before defining substance.
More from Alfred Whitney Griswold
A Socrates in every classroom.
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