The Critic by Jim Stovall

If you are ever looking for an indicator of how much success, notoriety, or influence you have, simply look at how many critics you've got.  I believe in free speech and the fact that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but there are a lot of self-professed experts masquerading as critics who feel that all of us are entitled to their opinion.  

When I write a book, make a movie, give a speech, or send out one of these weekly columns, I realize that everyone is entitled to their own opinion and welcome to be my critic.  Having said this, I have a bit of advice for aspiring critics:  Avoid criticizing people who are merely expressing their opinion.  You are welcome to challenge my facts and even my conclusions, but my opinions are my own.  I am the undisputed world's leading authority on my opinion. 

Furthermore, if you are going to criticize people, critique their ideas, thoughts, or opinions.  Avoid criticizing them personally.  People's appearance, demeanor, faith, spouse, or children should be off-limits.  You can disagree with someone without being disagreeable.  

Criticizing people for changing their opinions is short-sighted and counterproductive.  People who have changed their positions or their opinions on issues are often called wishy-washy or accused of flip-flopping on the matter.  I maintain that principles and facts never change, but our outlooks and opinions regarding policies, procedures, and public affairs can and probably should shift as we gain knowledge and experience.  

 In my home state over the last several years, we have started experiencing a number of earthquakes.  As this is a recent phenomenon, relatively unknown in the past, it has been a topic of great debate and concern.  When someone speculated that the earthquakes were being caused by water wells near oil-drilling sites, I laughed aloud and boldly expressed the absurdity of the idea that mere human beings working with water wells could cause an earthquake that could be felt for hundreds of miles.  As more research and data has emerged, I have been forced to change my opinion as now the science conclusively shows that we human beings can, indeed, create an earthquake by merely injecting water into an existing well.  I don't feel the need to apologize for my earlier opinion as it was the most sound conclusion I could make based on the limited information we had at the time.  

If we're not willing to adjust our opinions based on the growing body of information, we will be forced to cling to the conclusion that the world is flat, the sun revolves around the earth, and it is impossible for human beings to experience flight.   Be willing to listen to other people's opinions just as you are willing to share your own, but remember there has never been a monument erected to a critic.   

As you go through your day today, hold on to your principles and reconsider your opinions. 

Today's the day!