List of points

Serenity. Why lose your temper if by doing so you offend God, annoy other people, upset yourself… and have to find it again in the end?

Say what you have just said, but in a different tone, without anger, and your argument will gain in strength and, above all, you won't offend God.

Never correct anyone while you are still indignant about a fault committed. Wait until the next day, or even longer. And then, calmly, and with a purer intention, make your reprimand. You will gain more by one friendly word than by a three-hour quarrel. Control your temper.

It is inevitable that you should feel the rub of other people's characters against your own. After all, you are not a gold coin that everyone likes.

Besides, without that friction produced by contact with others, how would you ever lose those corners, those edges and projections — the imperfections and defects — of your character, and acquire the smooth and regular finish, the firm flexibility of charity, of perfection?

If your character and the characters of those who live with you were soft and sweet like sponge-cake you would never become a saint.

Don't argue. Arguing seldom brings light, for the light is quenched by passion.

Bitterness has sharpened your tongue. Be quiet!

Always remain silent when you feel the upsurge of indignation within you. And do so, even when you have good reason to be angry.

For, in spite of your discretion, in such moments you always say more than you wish.

So you have been hauled over the coals? Don't follow the advice of pride and lose your temper. Say to yourself: how charitable they are towards me! When I think of all they must have left unsaid!…