Criticism, Essay Options

[Ekay]

We can always learn something new, no matter how old we are. The ability to learn is hampered only when the learner is unwilling to change, listen, and mature, because we fear change. We shun criticism, even when it is helpful. By doing so, we stop true learning, thus growth, to occur. I will be first to admit that criticism can be harsh. However, much criticism is not intended to injure self-esteem. What must be remembered is to view criticism as beneficial. It is human nature to be flawed. And though it is nearly impossible to be rid of every flaw, one can take them aside one at a time and work them as necessary into something positive and useful. Criticism, like food, can nourish the mind and help self develop into a better version.

But it must first be accepted that, many times, criticism points to our flaws, to our blind spots. Often times, I can only see them when someone else, through criticism, points them out for me. Then, we can grow into something better, something extraordinary. It is only when I see my flaws for myself that I can begin to fix them. We need people with clearer vision to point them out to us. Criticism, then, can aid growth and maturation.

Criticism from other people has contributed much to my own growth as a person and a writer. This essay, for example, is the fruit of entanglement with criticism. I used to think that my writing was creative and well thought out. Then I asked one of my friends, my mentor really, to tell me what he thought about my writing. I sent him a copy of a very recent piece. Within minutes, I was bombarded with questions that I had never considered. Basically, he was trashing my writing style. Well, at least that is what I felt. His criticism took my eyes to a blind spot. Though my sentence construction was fine, it was my ideology that he thrashed. It was hard to stomach, I will tell you, but that is what has brought me here. His words compelled me to shine light onto a blind spot. It has opened me up to new possibilities with the written word. It has made me a better writer. The most exhilarating part is that my journey as a writer has only begun. Regarding my prose, I am no longer opposed to criticism. Thus, I want those with better view to dissect it, so that I may learn and grow more in perfection and knowledge as a writer—as a human being.

[none345678]

I think it's pretty good. Nice subject.