Quotes & Themes – Simplicity
Simplicity
There is no artifice as good and desirable as simplicity. (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part III, Chapter 30)
Simplicity always follows the rule of the love of God. (Spiritual Conferences, 12)
Holy simplicity does not run after its words and actions, but leaves the result of them to divine Providence. (Spiritual Conferences, 12)
Do not examine your soul so much about its advancement. (Letters to Persons in Religion, III, 16)
The pilgrim who spends all his time counting his steps will make little headway. (The Spirit of St. François de Sales, XII, 3)
Walk simply, do not desire repose of spirit too earnestly, and you will have the more of it. (Letters to Persons in Religion, III, 16)
I recommend to you holy simplicity: look before you, and regard not those dangers which you see afar off. (Letters to Persons in the World, I, 5)
Those who run best in the race do not think of the crowd which is looking at them. (Letters to Persons in the World, IV, 1)
The nightingale loves her melody no less when she makes her pauses than when she sings; the devout heart loves love no less when she turns to exterior necessities than when she prays. (Treatise on the Love of God, Book 12, Chapter 5)
Great works lie not always in our way, but every moment we may do little ones with excellence, that is, with great love. (Treatise on the Love of God, Book 12, Chapter 6)
If humility prevents me from playing the wise man, simplicity will likewise prevent me from playing the fool. (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part III, Chapter 5)
If the prudence of the serpent be not tempered with the simplicity of the dove of the Holy Spirit, it is altogether poisonous. (Letters to Persons in Religion, III, 42)
The grace of concealing a grace is in itself not slight. (The Spirit of St. François de Sales, VIII, 11)
Be neat, but be on your guard against affectation, vanity and singularity. (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part III, Chapter 25)
The man who makes false excuses actually accuses himself most forcibly; but the man who accuses himself in true simplicity deserves to be mercifully excused. (The Spirit of St. François de Sales, XIV, 3)
In everything I love simplicity. (Letters to Persons in Religion, I, 1)
North American Salesian Network
The North American Salesian Network (NASN) is an organization of both lay and religious groups that live the Salesian teachings of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal. NASN facilitates the sharing of Salesian resources, educational services, vocational efforts, and a variety of resources, bringing this optimistic, joy-filled spirituality to people throughout the world.