This is ancient, Atula, not from today: they criticize those who remain silent, they criticize those who speak much, even those who speak moderately they criticize. There is no one in the world who is not criticized.

Porāṇametaṃ atula netaṃ ajjatanāmiva — this is ancient, Atula, not from today: the Buddha addresses Atula, a lay disciple. Universal criticism is not a modern phenomenon but a constant of the human condition.

Nindanti tuṇhimāsīnaṃ — they criticize those who remain silent: if you stay silent, they criticize you for being silent.

Nindanti bahubhāṇinaṃ — they criticize those who speak much: if you speak much, they criticize you for speaking too much.

Mitabhāṇimpi nindanti — they criticize even those who speak moderately: even one who speaks with moderation is criticized.

Natthi loke anindito — there is no one in the world who is not criticized: the conclusion is universal and liberating. If criticism is inevitable whatever your conduct, then criticism ceases to be a reliable indicator of your behavior. The only valid guide is your own practice, not others’ opinions.