[From “A Passing Thought”]

The ideal role of woman is the cheerleader. The satanic inversion of the cheerleader is the critic

It’s fascinating to observe the way in which women not only fail to understand their power over men, but how they sabotage their own well-being by not only giving in to the inversive role, but doing it without even realizing they are doing so

The key, I think, is to understand that every man who isn’t an optimist with a gambling problem is perfectly aware of the fact that he could fail. It’s very, very easy to not do anything, to not try to succeed. Which is why it is imperative for the women in a man’s life to grasp that not only does a man have no need for a negative voice to balance his moments of optimism and inspiration, but that piling more negativity on top of his natural concerns, fears, and worries all but ensures that he will never take the risks required to level up

There are men who don’t need cheerleaders and who are basically impervious to criticism. I’m one obvious example of that, as my habit of devoting myself to things that literally no one wants or is asking for tends to demonstrate. But even I respond well to cheerleading and bristle at negativity and unhelpful, insubstantial criticism

And since so many people can’t seem to grasp what “unhelpful, insubstantial criticism” is, allow me to explain it to you. Before your criticize anything, ask yourself one question:

1) Is there anything that can be done about it now?

If the answer is no, then keep your mouth shut and say something vaguely polite and positive. Because nothing you say can change what is already done