--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Criticism, like swearing, is actually…" description: "\"“Criticism, like swearing, is actually nothing more than a bad habit.”\" — Richard Carlson" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c93/richard-carlson-8710_bad-habit_criticism-like-swearing-is-actually-noth_1768726.jpg" --- # Criticism, like swearing, is actually nothing more than a… ![“Criticism, like swearing, is actually nothing more than a bad habit.” quote by Richard Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c93/richard-carlson-8710_bad-habit_criticism-like-swearing-is-actually-noth_1768726.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c93/richard-carlson-8710_bad-habit_criticism-like-swearing-is-actually-noth_1768726.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c93/richard-carlson-8710_bad-habit_criticism-like-swearing-is-actually-noth_1768726.jpg) > ““Criticism, like swearing, is actually nothing more than a bad habit.”” [Richard Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Criticism is compared to swearing, suggesting both are unproductive habits that can be unlearned. **In simple terms:** Criticism is a bad habit like swearing. Key Takeaway Identify and replace unhelpful criticism. Themes self-improvement communication habits Mood reflective critical Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - workplace feedback - personal relationships - public speaking Key Concepts psychology behavioral change Questions to Reflect On - How can you turn criticism into constructive feedback? - When is criticism necessary? A Different Perspective Criticism can sometimes be constructive if delivered thoughtfully. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Bad habit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bad-habit/) [Habits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/habits/) [Swearing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/swearing/) ## Related quotes > [You learn very very quickly that it is mostly about swearing, actually. That's all you're doing, swearing, in a box with wheels.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dylan-moran/you-learn-very-very-quickly-that-it-is-mostly-about-swearing-actually/) [Dylan Moran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dylan-moran/) > [I just like swearing and being cheeky.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gail-bradbrook/i-just-like-swearing-and-being-cheeky/) [Gail Bradbrook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gail-bradbrook/) > [I don't like swearing on the air. As a matter of fact, I'm not a prude, but I go to the movies and then…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-lamb/i-don-t-like-swearing-on-the-air-as-a-matter-of-fact-i-m-not-a-prude-2/) [Brian Lamb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-lamb/) > [I don't like swearing on the air. As a matter of fact, I'm not a prude, but... I watch HBO and some of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-lamb/i-don-t-like-swearing-on-the-air-as-a-matter-of-fact-i-m-not-a-prude/) [Brian Lamb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-lamb/) > [As a songwriter, it's good to have criticism, and I like objective opinions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-gourley/as-a-songwriter-it-s-good-to-have-criticism-and-i-like-objective/) [John Gourley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-gourley/) > [Asking a writer what he thinks about criticism is like asking a lamppost what it feels about dogs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-osborne/asking-a-writer-what-he-thinks-about-criticism-is-like-asking-a/) [John Osborne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-osborne/) > [Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man's growth without destroying his roots.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-a-clark/criticism-like-rain-should-be-gentle-enough-to-nourish-a-man-s-growth/) [Frank A. Clark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-a-clark/) > [Criticism is like many other things, it drags along after what has already been said and doesn't get out of its rut.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eugene-delacroix/criticism-is-like-many-other-things-it-drags-along-after-what-has/) [Eugene Delacroix](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eugene-delacroix/) > [“once heard someone say that criticism is like a nut surrounded by a hard shell. The hard shell represents a projected experience from a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-guillebeau/once-heard-someone-say-that-criticism-is-like-a-nut-surrounded-by-a/) [Chris Guillebeau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-guillebeau/) > [To many people, dramatic criticism must seem like an attempt to tattoo soap bubbles.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-mason-brown/to-many-people-dramatic-criticism-must-seem-like-an-attempt-to-tattoo/) [John Mason Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-mason-brown/) > [Criticism is like champagne, nothing more execrable if bad, nothing more excellent if good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-caleb-colton/criticism-is-like-champagne-nothing-more-execrable-if-bad-nothing/) [Charles Caleb Colton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-caleb-colton/) > [Criticism is like medicine. It’s poison unless carefully administered at the right dose.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-hyatt/criticism-is-like-medicine-it-s-poison-unless-carefully-administered/) [Michael Hyatt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-hyatt/) > [“Chances are like criticism; few like to take it, some love to give it, yet most never see it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carl-henegan/chances-are-like-criticism-few-like-to-take-it-some-love-to-give-it/) [Carl Henegan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-henegan/) > [“Philosophy without criticism is like hunting deer without a shotgun, so, if you want people to like you, avoid robust philosophical debate.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julian-baggini/philosophy-without-criticism-is-like-hunting-deer-without-a-shotgun/) [Julian Baggini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julian-baggini/) > [Criticism is like champagne, nothing more execrable if bad, nothing more excellent if good; if meagre, muddy, vapid and sour, both are fit only…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-caleb-colton/criticism-is-like-champagne-nothing-more-execrable-if-bad-nothing-2/) [Charles Caleb Colton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-caleb-colton/) ## More by Richard Carlson > [...when you let go of your expectations, when you accept life as it is, you're free.To hold on is to be serious and uptight.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/when-you-let-go-of-your-expectations-when-you-accept-life-as-it-is/) [Richard Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/) > [“I’m merely talking about learning to be less bothered by the actions of people.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/i-m-merely-talking-about-learning-to-be-less-bothered-by-the-actions/) [Richard Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/) > [“slowing down your responses and becoming a better listeners aids you in becoming a more peaceful person”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/slowing-down-your-responses-and-becoming-a-better-listeners-aids-you/) [Richard Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/) > [“Don't sweat the small stuff.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/don-t-sweat-the-small-stuff/) [Richard Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/) > [You are what you practice most.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/you-are-what-you-practice-most/) [Richard Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/) > [Life is a process--just one thing after another. When you lose it, just start again.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/life-is-a-process-just-one-thing-after-another-when-you-lose-it-just/) [Richard Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/) > [What interferes with this peaceful feeling is our expectation of reciprocity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/what-interferes-with-this-peaceful-feeling-is-our-expectation-of/) [Richard Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/) > [One of the most dynamic and significant changes you can make in your life is to make the commitment to drop all negative references…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/one-of-the-most-dynamic-and-significant-changes-you-can-make-in-your/) [Richard Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/) > [ Minding your own business . . . includes \[avoiding\] eavesdropping, gossiping, talking behind other people's backs, and analyzing or trying to figure out other people. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/minding-your-own-business-includes-avoiding-eavesdropping-gossiping/) [Richard Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/) > [If, however, you take a moment to observe how you actually feel immediately after you criticise someone, you'll notice that you will feel a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/if-however-you-take-a-moment-to-observe-how-you-actually-feel/) [Richard Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/) > [“In our relationships, weatherproofing typically plays itself out like this: You meet someone and all is well. You are attracted to his or her…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/in-our-relationships-weatherproofing-typically-plays-itself-out-like/) [Richard Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/) > [“Get Comfortable Not Knowing There once was a village that had among its people a very wise old man. The villagers trusted this man…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/get-comfortable-not-knowing-there-once-was-a-village-that-had-among/) [Richard Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/) > [The trick is to be grateful when your mood is high and graceful when it is low.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/the-trick-is-to-be-grateful-when-your-mood-is-high-and-graceful-when/) [Richard Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/) > [Retirement can and will be a glorious time in your life. You'll love the freedom and ability to try new things. It's a new…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/retirement-can-and-will-be-a-glorious-time-in-your-life-you-ll-love/) [Richard Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/) > [If someone throws you the ball, you don't have to catch it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/if-someone-throws-you-the-ball-you-don-t-have-to-catch-it/) [Richard Carlson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/) [Explore all 78 Richard Carlson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/) ## More Bad habit quotes > [Working at home is hard. It tends to give you bad habits. It feels more like you're going to work when you get up…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kate-beaton/working-at-home-is-hard-it-tends-to-give-you-bad-habits-it-feels-more/) [Kate Beaton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kate-beaton/) > [Even the most fickle are faithful to a few bad habits.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mason-cooley/even-the-most-fickle-are-faithful-to-a-few-bad-habits/) [Mason Cooley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mason-cooley/) > [“It's a very bad habit to put off disagreeable things...”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/l-m-montgomery/it-s-a-very-bad-habit-to-put-off-disagreeable-things/) [L.M. Montgomery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/l-m-montgomery/) > [“I’m afraid I don’t suffer petty bureaucrats gladly. A very bad habit, but one I find hard to break. Nevertheless, you will find, Dr.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/douglas-preston-lincoln-child-2/i-m-afraid-i-don-t-suffer-petty-bureaucrats-gladly-a-very-bad-habit/) Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child > [When you're walking at the airport, you're expected to smile at people because they know you... I find that tough. I'm only trying to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/katrina-kaif/when-you-re-walking-at-the-airport-you-re-expected-to-smile-at-people/) [Katrina Kaif](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/katrina-kaif/) > [Im not actually this tall, Ive got this bad habit of sitting on my wallet.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karan/im-not-actually-this-tall-ive-got-this-bad-habit-of-sitting-on-my/) [Karan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karan/) > [Sometimes it doesn't take much to slip back into bad habits.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/didier-deschamps/sometimes-it-doesn-t-take-much-to-slip-back-into-bad-habits/) [Didier Deschamps](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/didier-deschamps/) > [I have the same friends and the same bad habits.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nate-silver/i-have-the-same-friends-and-the-same-bad-habits/) [Nate Silver](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nate-silver/) > [I don't want to be overdramatic about it, but I'm starting to see a lot of my bad habits get the best of me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ben-gibbard/i-don-t-want-to-be-overdramatic-about-it-but-i-m-starting-to-see-a/) [Ben Gibbard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ben-gibbard/) > [The first duty of a Christian, of a disciple and follower of Jesus Christ, is to deny himself. To deny oneself means to give…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/innocent-of-alaska/the-first-duty-of-a-christian-of-a-disciple-and-follower-of-jesus/) Innocent of Alaska > [“So, did you see that community center I was talking about?” “What? Where?” “We walked right past it, just before that grocery store. I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jackson-pearce/so-did-you-see-that-community-center-i-was-talking-about-what-where/) [Jackson Pearce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jackson-pearce/) > [The game is played out of instinct, but everyone on the ice has habits - good and bad. So the key to the game…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wayne-gretzky/the-game-is-played-out-of-instinct-but-everyone-on-the-ice-has-habits/) [Wayne Gretzky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wayne-gretzky/) > [“So then, according to Jesus, the ‘evils’ which we think, say and do are not due primarily to our environment, nor are they bad…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-r-w-stott/so-then-according-to-jesus-the-evils-which-we-think-say-and-do-are/) [John R.W. Stott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-r-w-stott/) > [My bad habits aren't my title. My strengths and my talent are my title.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/layne-staley/my-bad-habits-aren-t-my-title-my-strengths-and-my-talent-are-my-title/) [Layne Staley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/layne-staley/) > [Movies are one of the bad habits that have corrupted our century. They have slipped into the American mind more misinformation in one evening…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ben-hecht/movies-are-one-of-the-bad-habits-that-have-corrupted-our-century-they/) [Ben Hecht](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ben-hecht/) [Browse all 567 Bad habit quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bad-habit/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“Criticism, like swearing, is actually nothing more than a bad habit.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Richard Carlson" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/criticism-like-swearing-is-actually-nothing-more-than-a-bad-habit/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Bad habit" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/criticism-like-swearing-is-actually-nothing-more-than-a-bad-habit/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c93/richard-carlson-8710_bad-habit_criticism-like-swearing-is-actually-noth_1768726.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c93/richard-carlson-8710_bad-habit_criticism-like-swearing-is-actually-noth_1768726.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c93/richard-carlson-8710_bad-habit_criticism-like-swearing-is-actually-noth_1768726.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Criticism, like swearing, is actually nothing more than a bad habit.” — Richard Carlson", "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": "Richard Carlson", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-carlson/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "“Criticism, like swearing, is actually nothing...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/criticism-like-swearing-is-actually-nothing-more-than-a-bad-habit/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-carlson/criticism-like-swearing-is-actually-nothing-more-than-a-bad-habit/#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 } } ] } ```