Embrace constructive criticism

 

Andre Moro said:

"Everything that is in harmony with our personal inclinations, appears to us as a truth, and everything else only serves to provoke our anger."

 

A prime example of this is when we are given advice or criticism. For the most part, we adore praise and our spirits are lifted when we are the objects of such attentions, even if we are praised for the wrong reasons. On the other hand, we hate criticism and disparagement, even if what is said about us happens to be true.

 

(And when they are called to Allah [i. e. His Words, the Quran] and His Messenger; to judge between them, lo! A party of them refuse [to come] and turn away. But if the right is with them, they come to Him willingly with submission.) (Quran 24: 48-49)

 

William James said:

"When you make a resolute decision to do something on any given day, you will be totally rid of worries that seize and subjugate you concerning the results of your endeavors."

 

What he means is that when you make a judicious decision based on logic and a sound premise, then you should carry out that decision. Furthermore, you must not give way to doubts, for doubts beget nothing but more doubts. And then afterwards, do not look behind. An Arab poet said:

 

"lf you are of sound judgment, show resolution, For ill judgment is in hesitation."

 

Showing courage in making decisions can save you from anxiety and confusion.

 

(And when the matter is resolved on, then if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them) (Qur’an 4 7: 2)

 

Dr. Richard Cabot of Harvard University wrote in his book How Humans Live:

 

"As a physician, I am a proponent of work as a remedy for those who suffer from nervousness that results from doubts, fears, and indecisiveness. Work inspires bravery; it was self-confidence that made Emerson so superb."

 

(Then when the [Friday congregational prayer finished, you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allah [by working, etc.])

(Qur’an 62:10)

 

George Bernard Shaw said:

"Perhaps the secret of depression is in allowing yourself to have time for superfluous thought, especially in whether you are happy or not. Don’t allow such thoughts to creep into your mind; rather, you should remain steadfast in working. When you apply yourself to a serious task, your blood will begin to circulate and your mind will be spurred into action. You will find that your new life has quickly been removed of anxiety and worrisome thoughts. Work and do so on a continual basis; for this is the most inexpensive remedy available on the face of the earth and the most effective."

 

(And say [O’ Muhammad] ‘Do deeds! Allah will see your deeds, and [so will] His Messenger and the believers.)  (Quran 9: 105)

 

And a wise saying of the Arabs goes:

"Life is too short to make it even shorter through disputes."

 

(He [Allah] will say: ‘What number of years did you stay on earth? 'They will say: ‘We stayed a day or part of a day. Ask of those who keep account. ‘He [Allah] will say: ‘You stayed not but a little, --- if you had only known!) (Qur’an 24: 112-114)