bertolt brecht on criticism.
To introduce this critical attitude into art, the negative element that it doubtless includes must be shown from its positive side: this criticism of the world is active, practical, positive. Criticizing the course of a river means improving it, correcting it. Criticism of society is ultimately revolution; there you have criticism taken to its logical conclusion and achieved. A critical attitude of this type is an operative factor of productivity; it is deeply enjoyable as such, and if we commonly use the term ‘arts’ for enterprises that improve people’s lives, why should art proper remain aloof from arts of this sort?
— Bertolt Brecht