A good discourse is that from which nothing can be retrenched without cutting into the quick.
Saint Francis de Sales

A quarrel between friends, when made up, adds a new tie to friendship.
Saint Francis de Sales

Be who you are and be that well.
Saint Francis de Sales

Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections.
Saint Francis de Sales

Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.
Saint Francis de Sales

Friendships begun in this world will be taken up again, never to be broken off.
Saint Francis de Sales

Have patience with all things, But, first of all with yourself.
Saint Francis de Sales

Make friends with the angels, who though invisible are always with you. Often invoke them, constantly praise them, and make good use of their help and assistance in all your temporal and spiritual affairs.
Saint Francis de Sales

Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.
Saint Francis de Sales

Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.
Saint Francis de Sales


Reputation is rarely proportioned to virtue.
Saint Francis de Sales

There are no galley-slaves in the royal vessel of divine love - every man works his oar voluntarily!
Saint Francis de Sales

There was never an angry man that thought his anger unjust.
Saint Francis de Sales

Those who love to be feared fear to be loved.
Saint Francis de Sales

True progress quietly and persistently moves along without notice.
Saint Francis de Sales

We must never undervalue any person. The workman loves not that his work should be despised in his presence. Now God is present everywhere, and every person is His work.
Saint Francis de Sales

When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time.
Saint Francis de Sales

While I am busy with little things, I am not required to do greater things.
Saint Francis de Sales