Great Quotes: It is not the critic who counts – Theodore Roosevelt

Tanmay Vora
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You are not doing much if you are not being criticized, it is said. As you set out to start your week, remember the following quote from Theodore Roosevelt. It is awe-inspiring.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

So let the critics do their job while you get busy in :

  • Getting things done.
  • Embracing the change.
  • Stirring the pot and thinking.
  • Ruthlessly re-prioritizing.
  • Raising the bar.
  • Getting better by learning
  • Enjoying what you are doing.
  • Being the best of what you can be.
  • Thinking possibilities.
  • Living each moment to its best.

Remember, it is not the critic who counts. Have a great week ahead!

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2 Comments

Tanveer Naseer January 11, 2010

Thanks for pointing out this wonderful quote,Tanmay. I think you’re absolutely right that we shouldn’t focus too much on critics, especially if it prevents us from taking action or doubting our ability to push ahead.

I would add, though, that we need to also be aware that not all critics are created equal, in the sense that some criticize simply to be naysayers while others criticize out of a genuine sense that there might be problems to the approach being undertaken. The key then is to understand this difference and being able to identify which category our critics fall into.

Thanks again, Tanmay, for pointing out this inspiring quote.

admin January 11, 2010

Tanveer – Thanks for the comment.

I agree with your point – but I have also seen people paying so much heed to even genuine critics that action takes a backseat. Another aspect is to see who is a critic. Someone who has gained credibility and respect in a given field is always a valuable critic.

Critics should be closely watched for areas they point as improvement areas, but not so much that it costs you action.

Thanks again. I am glad you found the quote an inspiring one.

Best,
Tanmay