Saint Francis de Sales wrote extensively about gentleness, patience, and perseverance in everyday life. In this short passage, he emphasizes a few ideas that feel very modern: Self-compassion is not weakness. He urges patience with oneself first, recognizing that growth takes time. Imperfection is part of progress. Rather than being discouraged by flaws, he frames them as moments to begin again. Renewed courage matters more than faultlessness. The call is not to be perfect, but to keep rising after a fall.