Hmm…really? According to Dictionary.com

Criticism:  “the act of passing judgment as to the merits of anything”

When someone is passing judgment aren’t they assuming they know more than you?  Therefore, isn’t criticism a form of arrogance?  Criticism comes from the critic’s experience and life view.  If those are different than yours or beyond a mainstream world view then the criticism is hardly praise.

Just my outrageous opinion.  If “honest criticism is the highest praise” gets you through the day, I am not going to argue with you. After all, who am I to judge?