Words of Thomas Aquinas

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.  James 1:19

Do not seek to plunge into the sea of knowledge all at once, but go there by way of the many streams that flow into it, since it is wiser to reach the more difficult things by way of the less difficult. ... I charge you to be slow to speak and slow to frequent places where men talk.  Embrace cleanness of conscience.  Be constant in prayer.  Love to dwell in your inner room if you would penetrate into the inner room of your Beloved.  Be courteous to everyone.  Do not look too deeply into the deeds of others.  Do not be overly familiar with anyone, for too great a familiarity breeds contempt and offers an occasion for being distracted from study.  Do not in any way wish to pry into the words and deeds of wordly people.  Flee from useless conversations.  Do not forget to imitate the ways of the saints and holy people.  Do not feel obliged to listen to what everyone says, but commit to memory anything good that you might hear others say. ... By these steps you will bring forth useful branches and fruits in the vineyard of the Lord of Sabaoth while life is in you.  If you walk this way, you may obtain all that your desire.  (Thomas Aquinas)