Herbst: Criticism is the art of enriching oneself spiritually at another's expense without anyone noticing the theft.
Herbst: Criticism is the art of enriching oneself spiritually at another's expense without anyone noticing the theft.
This quote by Herbst suggests that criticism often involves a subtle imbalance of power, where one person enhances their own understanding or self-worth by pointing out the flaws or shortcomings of another. The phrase "enriching oneself spiritually at another's expense" implies that the act of critiquing someone can provide a sense of superiority or moral elevation, while the "theft" indicates that this enrichment occurs without acknowledgment of the harm done to the criticized individual. Essentially, Herbst is highlighting the ethical implications of criticism, emphasizing that it can be a covert means of diminishing others for personal gain, often going unnoticed by the broader audience.
Quote By: Jules Renard