This quote is often misattributed to Aristotle, but is actually by writer Elbert Hubbard, from his book “John North Willys” : “Do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing, and you'll never be criticized. ... There will always be those who criticize. Too much or too little, they will never be satisfied.

Did Aristotle really say there is only one way to avoid criticism?

“To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.” This was not actually said by Aristotle, as the Internet might have us believe.

What is meant by say nothing do nothing be nothing?

Dear Quote Investigator: Receiving criticism is an unpleasant experience, but it is also inevitable. If your actions in the world are significant then you will draw detractors. This notion is cleverly expressed in the following pointed remark: To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.