To a pioneering spirit who was discouraged by frequent criticism, the Master said, “Listen to the words of the critic. He reveals what your friends hide from you.”
But he also said, “Do not be weighed down by what the critic says. No statue was ever erected to honour a critic. Statues are for the criticised.”
Anthony de Mello
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Anthony de Mello (1931-1987) was an Indian Jesuit priest and psychotherapist. A spiritual teacher, writer and public speaker, De Mello wrote several books on spirituality and hosted numerous spiritual retreats and conferences. He continues to be known for his storytelling, which drew from the various mystical traditions of both East and West. In most of his stories, “The Master” is deliberately framed not as a single historical figure, but as a wise teacher, demonstrating how universal wisdom transcends religious boundar
Notes:
The famous quote by Jean Sibelius: The Master’s second statement directly quotes the celebrated Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865–1957). When comforting a young colleague who was distressed by a scathing newspaper review, Sibelius famously remarked: “Pay no attention to what critics say. A statue has never been erected in honour of a critic.” The line has since become an iconic maxim across literature, music and leadership.
The principle of Fas est et ab hoste doceri: The Master’s first piece of advice—learning from one’s detractors—echoes the ancient Roman adage from Ovid, “Fas est et ab hoste doceri” (“It is right to learn even from an enemy”). In classical rhetoric and military strategy, opposition is valued because opponents analyse weaknesses with a dispassionate scrutiny that well-meaning allies rarely possess.