Courage

Practical criticism. Let's start small. One thing to watch for in beginning to make evaluations is courage.

Cowardice never made an admirable woman or man, never made an admirable friend, never made an admirable government, and never made an admirable work of art.

"Land of the free and home of the brave." Brave enough to admit having made a mistake? Brave enough to back down from an unjust war? Brave enough to call things by their real names? To get off the safe and comfortable track and convey what you actually feel? To risk unpopularity? If not, no land of the free. (Ta-ta-dum and other appropriate fanfare.)