Strive to preserve your heart in peace; let no event of this world disturb it; reflect that all must come to an end. - John of the Cross

Although you perform many works, if you do not deny your will and submit yourself, losing all solicitude about yourself and your affairs, you will not make progress.

Everyone knows that not to go forward on this road is to turn back, and not to gain ground is to lose.

For whereas speaking distracts, silence and work collect the thoughts and strengthen the spirit. As soon therefore as a person understands what has been said to him for his good, there is not further need to hear or to discuss; but to set himself in earnest to practice what he has learnt with silence and attention, in humility, charity, and contempt of self.