"One forgives the critic - perhaps - but never the good-natured friend"

This quote by James Payn speaks to the concept that criticism can be much easier to forgive than well-intentioned advice. It recommends that criticism can be taken as positive and can be utilized to enhance, while well-intentioned advice can be harder to forgive due to the fact that it is typically provided with the best of intentions. The quote indicates that criticism can be seen as a method to assist somebody grow, while well-intentioned guidance can be seen as an invasion into someone's life. It recommends that criticism can be taken as a knowing opportunity, while well-intentioned suggestions can be viewed as an effort to control or manipulate. Eventually, this quote talks to the idea that criticism can be easier to forgive than well-intentioned suggestions, as criticism can be seen as a way to assist somebody grow, while well-intentioned guidance can be viewed as an attempt to manage or manipulate.