--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Criticism is fine and conversation is…" description: "\"Criticism is fine and conversation is fine, but the person who's criticizing should know what they're saying and whom they're criticizing.\" — Jennifer ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/080/jennifer-egan-825_communication_criticism-is-fine-and-conversation-is-fi_2434584.jpg" --- # Criticism is fine and conversation is fine, but the person… ![“Criticism is fine and conversation is fine, but the person who's criticizing should know what they're saying and whom they're criticizing.” quote by Jennifer Egan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/080/jennifer-egan-825_communication_criticism-is-fine-and-conversation-is-fi_2434584.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/080/jennifer-egan-825_communication_criticism-is-fine-and-conversation-is-fi_2434584.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/080/jennifer-egan-825_communication_criticism-is-fine-and-conversation-is-fi_2434584.jpg) > “Criticism is fine and conversation is fine, but the person who's criticizing should know what they're saying and whom they're criticizing.” [Jennifer Egan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jennifer-egan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Effective criticism requires clarity about both the message and the target, ensuring constructive dialogue. **In simple terms:** Criticize wisely, knowing what and whom you address. Key Takeaway Criticize with purpose and precision. Themes communication critique clarity Mood thoughtful professional Type advice reflective When to use this quote - team meetings - peer reviews - public discourse Key Concepts constructive feedback intent respect Questions to Reflect On - How can you ensure your criticism is constructive? - What steps help you clarify your target before speaking? A Different Perspective Criticism without clarity can harm relationships. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Conversation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conversation/) [Criticism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/criticism/) ## Related quotes > [I got a letter one day from somebody saying, 'You're always criticizing the press. Why don't you talk about what Clay Felker is doing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nat-hentoff/i-got-a-letter-one-day-from-somebody-saying-you-re-always-criticizing/) [Nat Hentoff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nat-hentoff/) > [No matter how good a person you are, There will always be someone criticizing you!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ritu-ghatourey/no-matter-how-good-a-person-you-are-there-will-always-be-someone/) [Ritu Ghatourey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ritu-ghatourey/) > [The person who is always criticizing others is usually the one who deserves criticism the most.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-parsai/the-person-who-is-always-criticizing-others-is-usually-the-one-who/) [Vikrant Parsai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-parsai/) > [It's a healthy thing to get some bad criticism. I'm still here and I'm fine, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/keeley-hawes/it-s-a-healthy-thing-to-get-some-bad-criticism-i-m-still-here-and-i-m/) [Keeley Hawes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/keeley-hawes/) > [Be sure to expose yourself to criticism: A fine polish requires an abrasive.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marilyn-vos-savant/be-sure-to-expose-yourself-to-criticism-a-fine-polish-requires-an/) [Marilyn vos Savant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marilyn-vos-savant/) > [Criticism, that fine flower of personal expression in the garden of letters.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-conrad/criticism-that-fine-flower-of-personal-expression-in-the-garden-of/) [Joseph Conrad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-conrad/) > [The pleasure of criticizing robs us of the pleasure of being moved by some very fine things](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-de-la-bruyere/the-pleasure-of-criticizing-robs-us-of-the-pleasure-of-being-moved-by/) [Jean De La Bruyere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-bruyere/) > [People who are criticizing... don't really get it, because if they did, they would like it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gwyneth-paltrow/people-who-are-criticizing-don-t-really-get-it-because-if-they-did/) [Gwyneth Paltrow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gwyneth-paltrow/) > [“When people criticize you, it’s not always for your actions but for what you represent. 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Our complaints are like arrows…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-temple/our-present-time-is-indeed-a-criticizing-and-critical-time-hovering/) [William Temple](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-temple/) > [I feel that the task of criticizing my poetry is best left to others (i.e. critics) and would much rather have it take place…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-atwood/i-feel-that-the-task-of-criticizing-my-poetry-is-best-left-to-others/) [Margaret Atwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-atwood/) > [When I passed the Chancellor he arose, waved his hand at me, and I waved back at him. 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