"Self criticism must be my guide to action, and the first rule for its employment is that in itself it is not a virtue, only a procedure"

This quote by Kingsley Amis is emphasizing the value of self-criticism as a tool for individual growth and development. He is recommending that self-criticism ought to be utilized as a guide to action, however it ought to not be seen as a virtue in and of itself. Rather, it needs to be used as a tool to assist us recognize locations of improvement and to inspire us to do something about it. Self-criticism needs to be utilized in a positive method, to assist us recognize our weak points and to strive for enhancement. It ought to not be utilized as a way to beat ourselves up or to make ourselves feel bad. Self-criticism should be utilized as a tool to assist us become better variations of ourselves.