There are two types of critics/criticism:

1. The educated critic/criticism — This is a balanced critic/criticism, analyzing opposing viewpoints in order to find truth. He is not afraid to listen to others and will gladly consider other viewpoints other than his own. Children learn this type of behavior from their parents.

2. The pervasive critic/criticism — This is the self-proclaimed skeptic, who from childhood has learned to and finds pleasure in criticizing everyone and everything, even those things they agree with. He is a pain to be around and only attracts other pervasive critics, who often end up eating each other in their contest to see who can be the most critical. The pervasive critic excels at the the skill of lethal exaggeration. Children learn this type of behavior from their parents.