This phrase comes from a video by Erica “Gutsick Gibbon” on YouTube. In the video, she describes how important it is for scholars especially to put what they think the know out there for criticism because it’s the only way to learn and get better.

On my About the Author page, I have the following blurb:

This blog represents my personal opinions and observations only. Information is provided without warranty. You are encouraged to disagree with and fact-check my writing.

Now, the first part is absolutely hedging against accusations of inaccuracy or bias. It’s there because I don’t want to be held responsible for people repeating wrong or biased information. I want people to investigate on their own. The last sentence, however, is not hedging at all. It is a genuine invitation to tell me I’m wrong.

Why? First of all, because I am wrong about things. On this blog I write about a wide variety of topics that I am not an expert in. While I try to do adequate research, there is no peer review to catch mistakes. Secondly, when I am wrong, I would rather be corrected than continue being wrong. I always want to learn. Being wrong can be painful and embarrassing, but it happens. All we can do is keep trying to do better and correct our mistakes as best we can.

I say “we.” You are also wrong about things, uncomfortable as that fact may be. Everyone is wrong about things. That is not a defect, that is the normal human state of affairs. It is through collaboration and sharing of knowledge and perspectives that we can improve in this regard, but we will always still be wrong about some things and that’s ok.

Criticism is not always delivered in the friendliest way, and that can make it harder to accept. It’s easy to get defensive instead. On one hand we should all strive to give criticism that validates the person’s experiences. On the other hand, invalidating criticism will always occur, and it’s important to accept it anyway. I don’t like the phrase “don’t take it personally.” Sometimes things just are personal. Instead, I think the goal should be to separate the valid from the invalid within what someone is saying. If they tell you you did something wrong and shame you for it, you can accept having done something wrong without accepting the shame. That is not to say that such a thing is easy by any means.

I am very sensitive to criticism myself. Previously I would avoid criticism at all costs, even if I knew it was valid. Now, I deal with it by doing the opposite and inviting criticism. It may be hard, but it’s something I choose to do in order to make myself better. I don’t offer this as general advice; there is such a thing as too much criticism, and it must be balanced with appropriate affirmation and validation. You must identify what is individually best for you. What I will say as general advice is that you should try to maintain, as Erica says, humility and a willingness to be corrected.