--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: criticism is dangerous, because it wounds…" description: "\"criticism is dangerous, because it wounds a person's precious pride, hurt his sense of importace and arouse resentment.\" — Dale Carnegie" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e1/dale-carnegie-382_anger_criticism-is-dangerous-because-it-wounds_1021306.jpg" --- # criticism is dangerous, because it wounds a person's… ![“criticism is dangerous, because it wounds a person's precious pride, hurt his sense of importace and arouse resentment.” quote by Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e1/dale-carnegie-382_anger_criticism-is-dangerous-because-it-wounds_1021306.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e1/dale-carnegie-382_anger_criticism-is-dangerous-because-it-wounds_1021306.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e1/dale-carnegie-382_anger_criticism-is-dangerous-because-it-wounds_1021306.jpg) > “criticism is dangerous, because it wounds a person's precious pride, hurt his sense of importace and arouse resentment.” [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Criticism harms self‑esteem, making people feel undervalued and defensive, which breeds resentment. **In simple terms:** Criticism hurts pride and creates resentment. Key Takeaway Avoid harsh criticism; offer constructive feedback. Themes self‑esteem communication relationships Mood cautious empathetic Type advice psychological When to use this quote - workplace reviews - parenting - team meetings - customer service - friendship Key Concepts psychology emotional intelligence Questions to Reflect On - How can you give feedback without hurting pride? - What alternatives to criticism foster growth? A Different Perspective People may react defensively even to well‑meaning advice. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Anger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/anger/) [Criticism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/criticism/) [Pride](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pride/) [Resentment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/resentment/) [Win friends and influence people](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/win-friends-and-influence-people/) [Wounds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wounds/) ## Related quotes > [Each one of us, in his timidity, has a limit beyond which he is outraged. It is inevitable that he who by concentrated application…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/man-ray/each-one-of-us-in-his-timidity-has-a-limit-beyond-which-he-is/) [Man Ray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/man-ray/) > [“Criticism is futile because it puts a person on the defensive and usually makes him strive to justify himself. Criticism is dangerous, because it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/criticism-is-futile-because-it-puts-a-person-on-the-defensive-and/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [“Criticism is dangerous, because it wounds a person's precious pride, hurts his sense of importance, and arouses resentment.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/criticism-is-dangerous-because-it-wounds-a-person-s-precious-pride-2/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [Criticism is futile because it puts a person on the defensive and usually makes them strive to justify themselves. Criticism is dangerous, because it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/criticism-is-futile-because-it-puts-a-person-on-the-defensive-and-2/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [Success in dealing with people depends on sympathetic grasp of the other person's viewpoint.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/success-in-dealing-with-people-depends-on-sympathetic-grasp-of-the/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/talk-about-your-own-mistakes-before-criticizing-the-other-person/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [Merely stating a truth isn't enough. The truth has to be made vivid, interesting, dramatic. You have to use showmanship.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/merely-stating-a-truth-isn-t-enough-the-truth-has-to-be-made-vivid/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [If you want enemies, excel your friends; but if you want friends, let your friends excel you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/if-you-want-enemies-excel-your-friends-but-if-you-want-friends-let/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/give-the-other-person-a-fine-reputation-to-live-up-to/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/be-a-good-listener-encourage-others-to-talk-about-themselves/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [Try honest to see things from the other person's point of view.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/try-honest-to-see-things-from-the-other-person-s-point-of-view/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [Stop worrying and start living.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/stop-worrying-and-start-living/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [The only way on Earth to influence other people is to talk about what they want and show them how to get it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/the-only-way-on-earth-to-influence-other-people-is-to-talk-about-what/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [Actions speak louder than words, and a smile says, ‘I like you. You make me happy. I am glad to see you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/actions-speak-louder-than-words-and-a-smile-says-i-like-you-you-make/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [Use encouragement. Make the fault seem easy to correct.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/use-encouragement-make-the-fault-seem-easy-to-correct/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) ## More by Dale Carnegie > [“When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but with creatures bristling with prejudice and motivated by pride and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/when-dealing-with-people-remember-you-are-not-dealing-with-creatures/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [I deal with the obvious. I present, reiterate, and glorify the obvious - because the obvious is what people need to be told.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/i-deal-with-the-obvious-i-present-reiterate-and-glorify-the-obvious/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [You can make more friends in two months by becoming more interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/you-can-make-more-friends-in-two-months-by-becoming-more-interested/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [“The man who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/the-man-who-goes-farthest-is-generally-the-one-who-is-willing-to-do/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [“Apply the blacksmith's homely principle when you are speaking. If you feel deeply about your subject you will be able to think of little…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/apply-the-blacksmith-s-homely-principle-when-you-are-speaking-if-you/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/one-of-the-most-tragic-things-i-know-about-human-nature-is-that-all/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [If you can't sleep, then get up and do something instead of lying there worrying. It's the worry that gets you, not the lack…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/if-you-can-t-sleep-then-get-up-and-do-something-instead-of-lying/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [I realize now that people are not thinking about you and me or caring what is said about us. They are thinking about themselves-before…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/i-realize-now-that-people-are-not-thinking-about-you-and-me-or-caring/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [Those convinced against their will are of the same opinion still.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/those-convinced-against-their-will-are-of-the-same-opinion-still/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [Each nation feels superior to other nations. That breeds patriotism - and wars.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/each-nation-feels-superior-to-other-nations-that-breeds-patriotism/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [We are gods in the chrysalis.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/we-are-gods-in-the-chrysalis/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [If you want to know how to make people shun you and laugh at you behind your back and even despise you, here is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/if-you-want-to-know-how-to-make-people-shun-you-and-laugh-at-you/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [So if you aspire to be a good conversationali st, be an attentive listener. To be interesting, be interested. Ask questions that other persons…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/so-if-you-aspire-to-be-a-good-conversationali-st-be-an-attentive/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [...Be grateful for what you have to be thankful for instead of complaining about the little things that annoy you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/be-grateful-for-what-you-have-to-be-thankful-for-instead-of/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) > [Don't be afraid of enemies who attack you. Be afraid of the friends who flatter you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/don-t-be-afraid-of-enemies-who-attack-you-be-afraid-of-the-friends/) [Dale Carnegie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) [Explore all 592 Dale Carnegie quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/) ## More Anger quotes > [“If I let myself think of it the pain and anger were still fresh, adrenalin racing down my limbs to pool, hot and itchy,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kylie-ladd/if-i-let-myself-think-of-it-the-pain-and-anger-were-still-fresh/) [Kylie Ladd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kylie-ladd/) > [I receive something we might euphemistically call an 'inappropriately hostile' response - that is to say, more than fair criticism or even fair anger…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mary-beard/i-receive-something-we-might-euphemistically-call-an-inappropriately/) [Mary Beard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mary-beard/) > [The vision of the left, full of envy and resentment, takes its worst toll on those at the bottom - whether black or white…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-sowell/the-vision-of-the-left-full-of-envy-and-resentment-takes-its-worst/) [Thomas Sowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-sowell/) > [Anger is a rough water; if you can canalize it into a water mill, you can benefit from it. Anything bad can be transformed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mehmet-murat-ildan/anger-is-a-rough-water-if-you-can-canalize-it-into-a-water-mill-you/) [Mehmet Murat Ildan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mehmet-murat-ildan/) > [“Some say the Earth is angry Because he wants no company; I say the Earth is angry Because he lives alone.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/n-k-jemisin/some-say-the-earth-is-angry-because-he-wants-no-company-i-say-the/) [N.K. Jemisin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/n-k-jemisin/) > [“When you feel terribly angry, you're possessed by anger ghost.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/toba-beta/when-you-feel-terribly-angry-you-re-possessed-by-anger-ghost/) [Toba Beta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/toba-beta/) > [“Medical studies have shown that cursing reduces levels of stress and pain. Repressing your anger is not healthy. It's much better to verbalize it,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oliver-markus-malloy/medical-studies-have-shown-that-cursing-reduces-levels-of-stress-and/) [Oliver Markus Malloy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oliver-markus-malloy/) > [My care will be in the heart n not in words My anger will be in Words n not in the Heart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ritu-ghatourey/my-care-will-be-in-the-heart-n-not-in-words-my-anger-will-be-in-words/) [Ritu Ghatourey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ritu-ghatourey/) > [You should be angry. You must not be bitter. Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. It doesn't do anything to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-angelou/you-should-be-angry-you-must-not-be-bitter-bitterness-is-like-cancer/) [Maya Angelou](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maya-angelou/) > [To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/to-be-a-negro-in-this-country-and-to-be-relatively-conscious-is-to-be/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“God, you had enough time to have been through it three times. You've been through my stuff. I bet you over and let one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-king/god-you-had-enough-time-to-have-been-through-it-three-times-you-ve/) [Stephen King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-king/) > [The present contains nothing more than the past, and what is found in the effect was already in the cause.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henri-bergson/the-present-contains-nothing-more-than-the-past-and-what-is-found-in/) [Henri Bergson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henri-bergson/) > [Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-wright/depression-is-merely-anger-without-enthusiasm/) [Steven Wright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-wright/) > [I always fight better when my opponent's angry.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-haye/i-always-fight-better-when-my-opponent-s-angry/) [David Haye](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-haye/) > [ “Where there are kashays (anger-pride-deceit-greed), there is worldly life. As long as anger-pride-deceit-greed exist; one is a sansaari \[living a worldly life\] regardless of… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dada-bhagwan/where-there-are-kashays-anger-pride-deceit-greed-there-is-worldly/) [Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dada-bhagwan/) [Browse all 7,469 Anger quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/anger/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "criticism is dangerous, because it wounds a person's precious pride, hurt his sense of importace and arouse resentment.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dale Carnegie" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/criticism-is-dangerous-because-it-wounds-a-person-s-precious-pride/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Anger" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/criticism-is-dangerous-because-it-wounds-a-person-s-precious-pride/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e1/dale-carnegie-382_anger_criticism-is-dangerous-because-it-wounds_1021306.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e1/dale-carnegie-382_anger_criticism-is-dangerous-because-it-wounds_1021306.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e1/dale-carnegie-382_anger_criticism-is-dangerous-because-it-wounds_1021306.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“criticism is dangerous, because it wounds a person's precious pride, hurt his sense of importace and arouse…” — Dale Carnegie", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Dale Carnegie", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dale-carnegie/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "criticism is dangerous, because it wounds...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/criticism-is-dangerous-because-it-wounds-a-person-s-precious-pride/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dale-carnegie/criticism-is-dangerous-because-it-wounds-a-person-s-precious-pride/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```