List of points

Don't say: 'That's the way I'm made… it's my character'. It's your lack of character: Be a man.

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.

Be firm. Be virile. Be a man. And then… be a saint.

Could it be true — no, no, I can't believe it — that in the world there are not men but bellies?

If you are not master of yourself — though you may be powerful — your air of mastery moves me to pity and laughter.

Don't wish to be like the gilded weather-cock on top of a great building: however much it shines, and however high it stands, it adds nothing to the solidity of the building.

Rather be like an old stone block hidden in the foundations, underground, where no one can see you: because of you the house will not fall.