Criticism can have a profound impact on both our bodies and minds. Physically, it can make our shoulders tense, our breathing shallow, and set off alarm bells. Psychologically, our minds race and we instinctively put up defenses and mount counterattacks. Our ego can become so defensive that it creates its own little totalitarian regime, controlling the flow of information to our brains. This censorship prevents us from hearing important feedback that could help us improve. While constant criticism may seem overwhelming, it is crucial for growth and development. A culture where people openly criticize each other and seek feedback to improve collectively is rare but highly effective. Holding in opinions is a tragedy that can easily be fixed by embracing criticism and feedback.