On maintaining peace...

"We would indeed have peace if we would attend to our affairs.  How can you remain in peace when you deliberately interfere in other people's business and seek worldly occupation with seldom a thought to interior recollection?  The humble and single-hearted are truly blessed and will have abundant peace."

The Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Eleven

On beneficial conversation...

"A bad use or neglect of our spiritual progress makes us careless of what we say.  However, devout conversation on spiritual matters is beneficial to the soul, especially when people who are congenial in mind and spirit are drawn together in God."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Ten

Who are we really connected to?

"But the sad part of it is that all we say and do is for nothing; for the comfort we receive from others hinders us from receiving the comfort that comes from God.  It is better to watch and pray so that we do not waste time in idleness.  If you have leave to speak and it is expedient, then speak of God and of those things which edify."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Ten

On gossip and guilty consciences...

"We think that by getting together with others we will be a comfort to one another and find relaxation by discussing the things that burden us; but the end result of all this gossip about things we like or dislike only leaves us with a guilty conscience."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Ten

Obstacles to the spiritual life...

"Flee as much as possible the company of worldly people.  For discussing worldly matters, no matter how good the intention, is a great obstacle to the spiritual life.  If we are not careful, we can be easily deceived and attracted by the vanity of the world.  Often I regret the things I have said and wished that I had not spent so much time in worldly company."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Ten

On stubbornness...

"I have often heard it said that it is surer to take advice than to give it!  It is good to listen to every person's advice; but when it is sound, to disagree is sheer stubbornness."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Nine

Set aside your will...

"Therefore, listen to the opinions of others and do not trust too much in your own point of view.  Perhaps you are right, but setting aside your own will and following another out of love for God, you will profit by it."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Nine

Lay down your will...

"In reality, all of us are inclined to do our own will and agree more readily with those who hold with our views.  But if we want to have the presence of God among us, then we must be willing to give up our own way in order to live in love and harmony with others.  Surely there are no persons so wise that they know everything."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Nine