"فائدة النقد في الكتابة الدورية هي غربلة العمل وليس ختمه."

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop, chatting with a friend about a book you both recently read. Now, instead of just saying, "Oh, it was good," or "It totally sucked," you dive deeper. You talk about the characters, the plot twists, the writing style. You're not there to put a giant ‘approved’ or ‘rejected’ stamp on it. The goal is to sift through the book's elements, understanding what worked and what didn’t. That’s the heart of what this quote is getting at.

The main idea here is that criticism, especially in the context of periodical writing—think magazines or online reviews—is about analysis and understanding, not simply passing judgment. It’s about digging into the details and offering insights, rather than delivering a final verdict.

Let’s take a step back and place this in a bit of historical context. This idea likely came into prominence during periods when literary criticism was evolving—maybe around the 18th or 19th centuries. Back then, the role of a critic wasn’t just to say if something was good or bad but to engage readers in a deeper conversation about the work. This approach helped cultivate a more educated and discerning audience.

Now, picture this in action. Suppose you’re reading a review of a new movie on a popular blog. Instead of the reviewer saying, “This movie is amazing!” or “Don’t waste your time,” they break it down. They talk about the director’s unique style, the performances of the actors, the cinematography, and how the soundtrack contributed to the overall mood. They might mention what didn’t work for them—maybe the pacing was a bit off, or the plot had some holes. By the end of the review, you’ve got a clear sense of what to expect and can make a more informed decision about whether you want to watch it.

So, how do you apply this kind of wisdom in your own life? Start by shifting your mindset when you're evaluating something. Whether it’s a book, a movie, a piece of art, or even someone’s cooking, resist the urge to pass immediate judgment. Instead, ask yourself questions: What aspects did you enjoy? What didn’t resonate with you? Why? This approach not only helps you understand the work better but also improves your critical thinking skills.

Imagine a scenario: You and a friend are trying out a new recipe. The dish doesn’t turn out as expected. Instead of just saying, “This is bad,” you analyze it. Maybe the flavors didn’t meld well because the recipe called for too many spices. Or perhaps the cooking time was off. By sifting through these elements, you both learn something valuable. Next time, you might tweak the recipe and end up with a much better dish.

In essence, approaching criticism as a process of sifting rather than stamping transforms it into a tool for growth and understanding. It encourages deeper engagement and drives continuous improvement. So next time you’re tempted to give something a thumbs up or down, take a moment to sift through the details—you might find the experience much richer.