Advantage Quote by William Shenstone
“Critics must excuse me if I compare them to certain animals called asses, who, by gnawing vines, originally taught the great advantage of pruning them.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Schoolmistress, 1742
He likens critics to stubborn donkeys that teach the value of pruning through their persistent nibbling on vines.
In simple terms: Critics are compared to donkeys that reveal the benefit of cutting back.
Key Takeaway
Recognize criticism as a cue to improve.
Themes
criticism
humor
learning
pruning
Mood
reflective
wry
Type
aphilosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal development
- creative work
- team feedback
Key Concepts
animal metaphor
self‑reflection
growth
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you turn criticism into constructive change?
- What does pruning symbolize in your life?
A Different Perspective
Critics may be malicious, not just stubborn.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
