We have to understand what is the source of the critical mentality. It is due to pride and envy. We become proud of our material position and we look upon others, and are envious of others who are successful. We also look for faults in others in order to gain more respect and recognition for ourselves. The more faults that we see in others, the more it makes ourselves look good. That is the subtle way—maybe sometimes not so subtle—of bolstering our own false-ego.
MKV, Vol 2- Pg 12 (Q/A Meeting With Disciples, Divnomorsk—6/10/01)