To become a positive critic, we need to have many virtues. However, I think that there are three major requirements that those who want to be a positive critic must meet: a valid ground of knowledge, a good intention in criticizing, and an indispensable humility. Basing on this fundamental, we will answer our proposed question by pointing out and analyzing these requirements.
First of all, a valid ground of knowledge plays a very important role in criticism. In fact, when committing a criticism to any person or any thing, if we have an overview and valid knowledge about that person or that problem, we will be objective in giving our judgment. For example, how can we give a right criticism to an article writing about a problem of environmental pollution with some points at which we think the author is wrong? If we are not specialistic in ecology or if we have a very poor understanding about the environmental aspect, it is impossible for us to give out a right and good criticism. Even when we have a reasonable judgment, it is also difficult for the receiver to accept our criticism because we do not have an authority in doing that for the reason of our lacking knowledge. Similarly, when we want to judge one’s behavior without our solid knowledge of psychology and of his background, it would be easy for us to give an unfair or even wrong criticism. That is why most of us respect the judgment of the well-learned.
Secondly, we have to pay attention to our intention in criticizing. Actually, if we have no good and constructive purpose in criticizing others, no matter our judgment is wrong or right it will have no value. For instant, in the case of a husband who criticizes his wife for her fault at having long talks with her friend, if he desires his wife to be better, he will use the appropriate and loving words in suggesting his wife to change her habit; otherwise, if he just wants to give way to anger, he would say whatever he wants; and as a result, his words may make the situation worse. So, what makes others be better does not come from how eloquent our saying is, but how honestly and constructively we criticize them.
Lastly, humility is always the key to enter the book of wisdom. Being humble is the best way to get success in giving positive criticism. In fact, many people have both above conditions in giving a suggestion to others. However, because they are not humble enough in doing it, their receiver often gets angry with them, for he thinks that he is being sermonized about his behavior. Anybody can find the end of such a conversation. On the other hand, when one gives a criticism with his humility, the receiver will find a pure and good intention on hearing his words; and therefore, the receiver will be easy to accept the right words. Hence, the way we manifest our humility in criticism can lead a decisive impact on the concerned persons.
In short, being a positive critic requires at least main virtues: a valid ground of knowledge, a good intention, and being humble. The first condition helps us to make a right judgment, the second will make our criticism constructive, and the last one fosters the receiver to accept our reasonable suggestion.
