Found your hierarchy of "criticism and silence" interesting to read.
Constructive criticism (or justifiable) is a solution-oriented criticism
that benefits society. Criticizing for the sake of criticism defeats the
very purpose of being critical about a certain issue. Finding errors is
much more easy than making them while working. Silence doesn't always
occur because of the fear of repercussion. It's also manifested in the
form of indifference or purposeful desire to abstain from making a comment.
These, I believe, require maturity. Often, people tend to spot mistakes
easily and bask in the pleasure of pinpointing them. I strongly believe that
the one who criticizes without providing a solution is getting away with
doing the most simple human exercise. Society needs people who criticize
and build by providing alternative solutions and ideas. There're many who
have solutions and ideas at hand but prefer to remain silent. Though I
don't share their choice, I recognize that this entails maturity and
self-control.
Thus, I still believe that criticizing is quite easy compared to silence.
amanuel melles
toronto, canada