“Both praise and criticism are reinforcing, but praise reinforces good traits, criticism bad traits. To criticize with the thought that pointing out deficiencies will cause them to be repaired is illusory. Criticism produces defensiveness, and no one acts well out of defensiveness; he is rattled, shaken, and hurt. Criticism causes the personality to shrink, to be diminished, and not only the personality of its target but of its deliverer as well… While criticism is toxic, praise, in contrast, is enhancing. It is an expression of generous feelings which expands the area of warmth in the giver and gives rise to confidence in the recipient.”
