quick to criticism

activity is disguised as criticism by the neuters of our age. criticism again has no effect but only comes to see further criticism. In view of this there has come to be general agreement that much criticism is to be sen as an effect and little or none as failure.

The historical education of our critics does not permit any more that there be an effect in the proper sense, namely an effect on life and action: on the blackest script they immediately press their blotter, on the most graceful drawing they smear the their thick brush strokes, which are to be seen as corrections: once again it was all over. Their critical pen, however, never ceases to flow for they have lost control over it and are directed by it, instead of directing it. Just in this immoderation of their critical effusion, in this lack of self-mastery, in what the Romans call impotentia, the weakness of the modern personality is betrayed. (P 32)

(note to self to write brief ideas on criticism)