A large discussion that tends to take place between generations is the sturdiness of prior generations. "The Greatest Generation" is known for being tough and no-nonsense, often supplanting their own desires and needs to partake in a war or provide for their families. In contrast, the newest generation of adults is often looked at with disdain for lauding seemingly insignificant feats. In rearing and teaching children, adolescents and even adults alike, there tends to be a dichotomy between methodology. One school of though asserts that "tough love" is the way to assure that children are hardy and able to navigate through a cruel world. On the other hand stand proponents of a gentler touch that are adamant that positive actions be praised. Though there are pros and cons to both, the best course of action is in the middle where benefits of both are accessible. In the middle, confidence is nurtured appropriately, and criticism can be cultivated not just for the individual's nuanced thought processes but for society as a whole.

Many parents start out thinking that if they are too harsh, they can destroy the self-esteem of their children. Though harsh criticism with unrelenting negativity can adversely affect the psyche and confidence of an impressionable child, there is a middle ground to be had between complete indulgence and acerbic denial. Confidence needs to be built on appropriately. Though negativity and rejection are difficult matters to deal with, especially for young people, there are harsh realities that young people need to learn to be tempered to. Young people can not be sheltered in ignorance forever.

There is a saying, "In criticizing, the teach is hoping to teach. That is all." With criticism, a person is has the capacity of be aware of his or her limitations or the true ramifications of an action. Acknowledgment of both positive and negative actions allows for the development of critical thinking skills in children. With encouragement of positive activities, students can assume that a certain course of actions does work to create a desired effect. On the other hand, allowing this very same student to know that a different course of action is not the best solution allows for the pupil to assess the differences between the two tactics.

Also, the criticism can ultimately benefit others. Particularly in the scientific and healthcare fields, wrong solutions are just as important as helpful ones. There are few explicitly "right" or "wrong" answers because the world is a nuanced and complicated place with multiple variables that are often cryptic until a study shows its effect. In the face of such a gradient, acknowledging progress and failure are important as lightposts to stop and evaluate which way to go.

In conclusion, positive and negative actions are both equally important. A balanced perspective is important in bolstering positive actions but not completely repudiating the value of negative ones. Criticism in itself allow for thoughtful interpretation of differences between successful and unsuccessful solutions. In science, this pivoting allows for navigation in an often vexing world where sometimes there is no clear right answer.

-- Thank you for your time!