Criticism is a study by which men grow important and formidable at very small expense. He whom nature has made weak, and idleness keeps ignorant, may yet support his vanity by the name of a critic.

Summary

This quote suggests that criticism can give individuals a false sense of importance and power without requiring much effort from them. It highlights how someone who lacks knowledge or ability can still boost their ego by simply labeling themselves as a critic. It implies that criticism can be used as a tool to mask one's shortcomings and insecurities by pretending to have expertise in judging and assessing others. Overall, the quote challenges the notion that all forms of criticism are genuine and valuable, instead highlighting the potential for criticism to be a means of self-aggrandizement and masking one's own weaknesses.

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