Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying.

[E]xcess in the practice of virtue is no less imperfect than the lack of it.

It will be easier for you to bring him around to where you want him more by gentleness and patience than by being too uncompromising.

. . . [T]hose persons who console you today may humiliate you tomorrow.

I have heard that M. Guesdon is dictating lessons to his seminarians. This is contrary to the custom of the Company and a somewhat ineffective way of teaching, since the students rely on their notes and do not exercise either their judgment or their memory, In this way, their minds remain empty while they pile up papers which they will perhaps never look at again.

If you think something should be done, take the trouble to write to me about it, and together we will decide the time and manner of doing it.

Peace is never so complete that we may not have something to suffer. . . . Since it is impossible to please all of [those you serve], they offer you the occasion for practices which increase your merit in the measure that you make them meritorious by your patience.