Critics Quote by Percy Bysshe Shelley
““Reviewers, with some rare exceptions, are a most stupid and malignant race.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Review of Critics, 1825
Critics are often unfair and hostile, especially when they lack understanding or empathy.
In simple terms: Critics can be harsh and biased.
Key Takeaway
Approach criticism with empathy and seek constructive feedback.
Themes
criticism
human nature
communication
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic peer review
- online comments
- artistic feedback
- political discourse
Key Concepts
bias
malignancy
intellectual humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate helpful critique from spite?
- What strategies reduce bias in evaluating work?
A Different Perspective
Not all critics are malicious; some aim to improve.
![“Nearly all the writing of our time is likely to disappear in a hundred years. Certainly most readers - and nearly all critics - feel that [Kurt] Vonnegut started to repeat himself, to grow increasingly self-indulgent and meandering, and to sometimes just blather in his later work. But his books up…” quote by Michael Dirda](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ed7/michael-dirda-3414_1960s_nearly-all-the-writing-of-our-time-is-li_13506.jpg)