List of points

Decisions of governance taken lightly or by someone on his own are always, or nearly always, influenced by a one-sided view of the problems.

—However good your training or talents might be, you must listen to those who share with you that task of direction.

Never listen to anonymous accusations: it is the way villains behave.

A principle of good governance: take human material as it is and help it to improve while never despising it.

When he who commands is negative and distrustful, he will easily become tyrannical.

People have to be taught how to work, but their training need not be overdone, for actually doing things is a way of learning too. They should accept in advance their unavoidable shortcomings: the best is the enemy of the good.

Never put your trust in organisation alone.

A fundamental rule for good management is to give responsibility to others without this becoming for you a way of seeking anonymity or comfort. I repeat, delegate responsibility and ask each person to give an account of how his job is going, so that you can “render an account” to God; and to souls, if necessary.

Never say of anybody under you: he is no good.

—It is you who are no good, for you cannot find a place where he will be of use.