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.

We must be firm but not rough in our guidance and avoid an insipid kind of meekness, which is ineffective.

Noise makes no good, good makes no noise.

. . . [R]estlessness usually stems from pride and from being discontented with one's lot in life.

. . . in the final analysis, virtue is not found in extremes, but in prudence . . .

I am determined, even if they throw mud in my face, never to show any resentment, nor break with them, nor deviate from the esteem and honor I owe them in the sight of God. If they forget themselves and say or do something offensive against your little bark, even if it is done purposely to make it sink, bear with it for the love of God, who will save you from shipwreck and calm the storm. Do not complain or even say a single work about it. In spite of everything, continue to compliment them when you meet, as if nothing were amiss.

It is not easy to find perfect men in whom there is nothing to criticize.