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About this quote

What does it mean?
Ignore criticism and act; it will eventually lose its power.
In plain terms
Act despite criticism and it will fade.
What can you take from it?
Focus on action, not on defending against criticism.

Where it applies

  • public speaking
  • creative projects

Putting it to work

  • continue work despite feedback
  • let results speak

Questions to consider

  • When should I consider criticism useful?
  • How can I tell if criticism is harmful?

Another view

Some criticism can be useful for improvement.

More from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

  1. A reasonable man needs only to practice moderation to find happiness.

    Permalink to quote #98
  2. All the knowledge I possess everyone else can acquire, but my heart is all my own.

    Permalink to quote #100
  3. A man can stand anything except a succession of ordinary days.

    Permalink to quote #97

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