Most criticism doesn't stem from insight but from cognitive laziness.

If a person nitpicks trivial matters while avoiding deep thought on issues requiring cognitive effort, they appear "smart" yet are actually narrow-minded.

After recognizing this, whenever I offer criticism, I always consider whether my critique is structural, fundamental, and constructive. If it's not, it means I'm merely seeking the sense of superiority through criticism rather than using it to understand, analyze, and attempt to solve problems.

People unaware of this tendency are enthusiastic about fault-finding and commentary—whether at the dinner table or on social media—thereby creating what's known as "patronizing tone." Patronizing tone is behavior that uses criticism and platitudes to display a sense of cognitive superiority.

Understand, analyze, reflect—and then criticize and create change.