If you say that a good reputation serves to benefit the neighbor more, I admit that. However, since it should be based on a good life, it is, therefore, preserved by the practice of virtue and not by human intrigue.

Experience has shown us that virtue puts down only shallow roots in those who are there for just a short time

Foresight is good when it is subject to the latter, but it becomes excessive when we are in a hurry to avoid something we fear. We rely more on our own efforts than on those of his Providence, and we think we are doing a great deal by anticipating His orders by our own disorder, which causes us to rely on human prudence rather than on his Word.

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

You can give me no greater consolation nor render greater service to your neighbor than to place yourself in a condition to serve him for a long time

There is a vast difference between an Apostolic life and the solitude of the Carthusians. The latter is truly very holy but is not suited to those whom God has called to the former, which is in itself more excellent.

[P]resent misfortune presupposes good luck in the future.