Live Well Be Well with Sarah Ann Macklin | Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition Alain de Botton: Your Inner Critic Is Borrowed (And Here's How to Give It Back) | Be Well Moments
Mar 20, 2026
Alain de Botton, philosopher and author who brings philosophy to everyday life, explores how harsh inner voices often come from childhood. He talks about naming and dismissing that critic. He explains why criticism sticks biologically, the limits of motivation-by-criticism, and how self-censorship can stifle creativity.
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Inner Critic Is Often Borrowed From Childhood
- We internalize unkind voices from caregivers and then replay them as our inner critic.
- Alain de Botton explains this becomes a private 'super ego' that echoes parental commands like "What are you doing, you silly idiot?".
Say A Goodbye Ceremony To Your Inner Critic
- Do separate yourself from that voice and question whether you agree with it before accepting it.
- Alain de Botton recommends a small goodbye ceremony: thank the voice, say you don't want it, and ask it to leave.
Too Much Self Criticism Kills Creativity
- A harsh inner whip can motivate but often quashes creative projects and new initiatives.
- Alain de Botton points out many books and businesses never start because people fear being bad or silly.