Respond to Criticism Like a Stoic

Learn how to face criticism with composure and use it for growth.

Criticism stings. Whether from a boss, friend, or partner, negative feedback can trigger defensiveness, anger, or shame. Yet criticism also contains valuable opportunities for growth if you know how to respond wisely.

As Marcus Aurelius wrote in his Meditations:

"If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment."

Here are practical strategies to handle criticism with Stoic wisdom.