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Critical Quotes

Sayings on things that matter most, and eyes that scrutinize closely.

This collection looks at critical in two senses: being essential, as with services many communities depend on, and being quick to judge, as with a parent's tough feedback. See our Approach quotes for related takes on scrutiny.

When Al Gore picked Joe Lieberman, it was a clear declaration of independence from President Clinton; no Democrat had been more critical of Clinton's misconduct.

Quotes by Jeff Greenfield

I am critical of myself.

Quotes by Jason Babin

Preventing gender-based violence is critical to establishing safe, productive, and healthy workplaces for all.

Quotes by Jan Schakowsky

Neodymium is one of 17 'rare-earth metals,' and these elements have turned out to be critical to the rapidly-growing green technology industries.

Quotes by Jamais Cascio

The doctor-patient relationship is critical to the placebo effect.

Quotes by Irving Kirsch

Strong succession planning is a critical element of all the Johnson enterprises.

Quotes by Helen Johnson-Leipold

Vigorous independent and critical media are indispensable in a democracy.

Quotes by Geoff Mulgan

The critical principle demanded an examination, for instance, of the contribution of different periods, thus to some extent embarking on historical linguistics.

Quotes by Ferdinand de Saussure

Marxism is always open, always critical, always self-critical.

Quotes by Ernest Mandel

It's critical that states improve how teachers are trained, recruited, evaluated, compensated, advanced, and retained.

Quotes by Eli Broad

National languages are all huge systems of vested interests which sullenly resist critical inquiry.

Quotes by Edward Sapir

Investment by any foreign company in any element of the U.K.'s Critical National Infrastructure should receive careful scrutiny.

Quotes by Dominic Grieve

Innovation is critical to the heartbeat of any successful corporation in the industrialized world.

Quotes by Dinesh Paliwal

Although I'm very competitive, I'm also very critical of myself.

Quotes by Devon Cajuste

I've witnessed firsthand the critical role suppliers - and especially the best ones - play in Boeing's success.

Quotes by Dennis Muilenburg

Evidence from mobile devices has provided critical help in solving crimes ranging from homicides to drug trafficking.

Quotes by Del Quentin Wilber

Civilized discourse demands critical thinking, self-reflexiveness, sober-headed analysis.

Quotes by Daniel Lubetzky

The third-down sacks are critical ones, 'cause that's getting off the field.

Quotes by Dan Quinn

Whoever utters 'Kafkaesque' has neither fathomed nor intuited nor felt the impress of Kafka's devisings. If there is one imperative that ought to accompany any biographical or critical approach, it is that Kafka is not to be mistaken for the...

Quotes by Cynthia Ozick

My first novel was a critical success in a matter of weeks.

Quotes by Christine Leunens

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'critical' mean across these quotes?
It covers two related ideas, being essential or vital to something, like access to certain financial services, and being quick to scrutinize or judge, like a parent's tough feedback.
Is this page about criticism of art or media?
A couple of quotes touch on judging creative work, including a comment about an ensemble cast being central to a show's appeal, but the page isn't limited to entertainment critique alone. For adjacent commentary on areas of expertise, see our Field quotes.
Why do some quotes mention nationality or culture?
One quote contrasts a cautious, observant national temperament with a more assertive one, using critical to describe a broader cultural habit of close observation rather than harsh judgment.
Are these quotes about being overly harsh?
Some lean that way, such as a line about a parent who can be tough at times, while others use critical more neutrally to mean necessary or important.
Where can I read more about getting things exactly right?
This page focuses more on necessity and evaluation than perfect accuracy, though the two ideas often overlap.

For more on getting things exactly right, browse our Correct quotes, or see why some things feel Easier said than done.