--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Criticism discloses that which it would…" description: "\"Criticism discloses that which it would fain conceal, but conceals that which it professes to disclose; it is therefore, read by the discerning, not to..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c86/charles-caleb-colton-270_books_criticism-discloses-that-which-it-would_2639655.jpg" --- # Criticism discloses that which it would fain conceal, but… ![“Criticism discloses that which it would fain conceal, but conceals that which it professes to disclose; it is therefore, read by the discerning, not to discover the merits of an author, but the motives of his critic.” quote by Charles Caleb Colton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c86/charles-caleb-colton-270_books_criticism-discloses-that-which-it-would_2639655.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c86/charles-caleb-colton-270_books_criticism-discloses-that-which-it-would_2639655.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c86/charles-caleb-colton-270_books_criticism-discloses-that-which-it-would_2639655.jpg) > “Criticism discloses that which it would fain conceal, but conceals that which it professes to disclose; it is therefore, read by the discerning, not to discover the merits of an author, but the motives of his critic.” [Charles Caleb Colton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-caleb-colton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Criticism often reveals the critic’s motives more than the author's merits. **In simple terms:** Criticism shows the critic more than the writer. Key Takeaway Read criticism for hidden motives. Themes literature criticism motivation Mood skeptical reflective Type analytical philosophical When to use this quote - book reviews - academic essays - media commentary - personal feedback Key Concepts bias interpretation authorial intent Questions to Reflect On - What biases affect your reading of criticism? - How to separate critic’s motive from work’s merit? 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