“Those who are lifting the world upward and onward are those who encourage more than criticize.”

Every parent, politician, theologian, and business owner should have that pinned in front them.

I believe so.

Progress is made by those who dare to dream rather than to destroy.

Would anyone ever improve if they didn't have an honest critic whose purpose is to correct imperfections? Encouragement can only go so far and criticism has its place. Witness the modern school systems that offer only self-esteem programs and discourage teachers from grading papers with red ink lest the children's fragile psyches be damaged. Does anyone believe those students are better off who think highly of themselves but can't read?

Ken in away you are right that crititism has it's place, but encouragement does have it's place also just as the quote says "...encourage MORE THAN criticize."

Encourage more that criticize is the operative idea. This quote couldn't be truer. Not to criticize but some one needs to re-read the quote before writing all over it with red ink.

As William Penn expressed it:

" They have a right to censure, that have a heart to help: the rest is cruelty, not justice."

Another fine quote.