Few people have the wisdom to prefer the criticism that would do them good, to the praise that deceives them.

It is just as valuable to be censured by friends as it is splendid to be praised by enemies. We desire praise from those who do not know us, but from friends we want the truth.

the praise of the wise few is more important than the mockery of the foolish many,

Few are those who wish to be endowed with virtue rather than to seem so.

It is not much good being wise among fools and sane among lunatics.

We find very few people of good sense, except those who are of our own opinion.

...there are few truths important enough to justify paining and reproving others for not knowing them...

Things of the first importance are few; let appreciation be rare.

Strauss, Neil: “‘The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.’ — Norman Vincent Peale

Among the smaller duties of life I hardly know any one more important than that of not praising where praise is not due.

Craignez-vous pour vos vers la censure publique ?
Soyez-vous à vous-même un sévère critique.
L’ignorance toujours est prête à s’admirer.
Faites-vous des amis prompts à vous censurer ;
Qu’ils soient de vos écrits les confidents sincères,
Et de tous vos défauts les zélés adversaires.
Dépouillez devant eux l’arrogance d’auteur,
Mais sachez de l’ami discerner le flatteur :
Tel vous semble applaudir, qui vous raille et vous joue.
Aimez qu’on vous conseille, et non pas qu’on vous loue.

If you are praised by others, be skeptical of yourself.

also saw that the number of simpleminded men is greater than that of the prudent, and though it is better to be praised by a few wise men and mocked by many fools,

Criticism is dangerous, because it wounds a person's precious pride, hurts his sense of importance, and arouses resentment.