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.

Will-power. A very important quality. Don't despise little things, for by the continual practice of denying yourself again and again in such things — which are never futile or trivial — with God's grace you will add strength and resilience to your character. In that way you will first become master of yourself, and then a guide, a chief, a leader: to compel and to urge and to inspire others, with your word, with your example, with your knowledge and with your power.

Why that fitful character? When are you going to apply your will to something definite? Drop that craze for foundation-stones, and put the finishing touch to just one of your projects.

Let your will exact from your senses, by means of atonement, what your other faculties deny your will in prayer.

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

Encourage those noble thoughts, those holy desires which are awakening in you… A single spark may start a conflagration.

Wanting, without really wanting: that is your attitude as long as you don't put the occasion firmly aside. Don't try to fool yourself telling me you are weak. You are… a coward, which is not the same thing.