We criticize others as a result of our egoism, which makes us want to enjoy at the expense of others, and which thus makes us enjoy viewing others as smaller and lesser than ourselves.
If we make no changes to our inborn egoism, then we live in this inclination to criticize others. However, if we strive to connect with others, we then start criticizing ourselves, because the egoistic inclination within us is the opposite of the inclination to connect with others.
If we wish to progress to a higher spiritual goal than our earthly corporeal ones, i.e., to a goal of enjoying through a new nature of giving, loving and connecting with others, then once we set that goal and place ourselves among the means to achieve it, we can criticize anything that counters the direction to that goal.
Based on KabTV’s “I Got a Call. What Is Criticism?” with Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman on February 21, 2011. Written/edited by students of Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman.