When people analyze and critique stuff, what they say is far more informational about them than the things they are talking about. Did you say something about a politician or a book? You are telling me about yourself.
That is something I have been aware of for a while, thanks to Paul Portesi. But it was always an outward-looking tool, not an introspective tool.
It’s time to watch what I say when I analyze and critique stuff. What does my commentary say about me?
My commentary can by definition say nothing about external things because it’s out of my control. My commentary shines a light on my thinking and opinions, and reveals what I am doing with the things under my control.
Being able to see myself in action is the truly useful information.