To lead, to govern, to remain at peace...

"No one can be in the lead who is unwilling to remain in the background, and no one can govern with safety who does not know how to obey.  No one is truly happy who is aware of an unclean conscience."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Twenty

Cultivating interior solitude...

"It is also easier to stay at home alone than to watch what you say when you go out so as not to offend. Therefore, those who intend to lead the interior life and have the grace of devotion must, with our Lord, go away from the crowd.  Unless you like solitude, it is not safe for you to appear in public."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Twenty

Remain silent and avoid speaking too much

"One person has said: "As often as I have been among others, I have returned less a man."  We know this from experience when we talk too long.  It is easier to remain silent than not to say too much when we speak."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Twenty

Meditation versus gossip...

"If you will withdraw from unnecessary talk and useless running about and listening to the latest gossip, you will find the time to occupy yourself with devout meditation.  The greatest Saints avoided the company of worldly people as much as possible, for they preferred to be alone with God."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Twenty

On the love of solitude and silence

"Seek a convenient time to search your own conscience, meditating on the benefits of God.  Restrain curiosity; read only those things that will move you to contrition rather than give you distraction."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Twenty

On the reward of being prepared...

"In St. Luke's Gospel we read: "Blessed is that servant if his Master finds him (watching) when He arrives home.  Truly I tell you, He will put him in charge of all his property."  (Lk 12:43, 44)

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Nineteen