Saint Francis de Sales

Nothing is more like a wise man than a fool who holds his tongue.

Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing so gentle as real strength.

When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time.

Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew.

There is nothing as strong as tenderness,
And nothing as tender as true strength.

If we say a little it is easy to add, but having said too much it is hard to withdraw and never can it be done so quickly as to hinder the harm of our success.