Artists and intellectuals
React differently to criticism
May 24th 2012
The heart and mind do not have the same requirements; each must be nourished differently and, therefore, exercised differently. Artists, whose heart and sensitivity are particularly developed, need encouragement, and they suffer when criticized. Look at the artists who have died from not being understood! Thinkers and philosophers, on the other hand, are strengthened by criticism, for the intellect makes progress in the face of opposition and obstacles. The attribute of the intellect is that it finds new arguments, new solutions. It looks for opportunities to exercise itself, and criticism supplies such opportunities. It is not afraid of confrontation, as it is built to resist.
So, those who express themselves through feeling need praise and encouragement. But do not give too much encouragement to those who live in the world of the intellect, for you will send them to sleep, and they will not progress.